Suilven

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Suilven
Suilven: Meall Meadhonach seen from Caisteal Liath
Elevation	731 m (2398 ft)
Location	Inverpolly, Scotland
Prominence	c. 496 m
Topo map	OS Landranger 15
OS grid reference	NC153183
Listing	Graham, Marilyn
Translation	The pillar (Old Norse)

Suilven is one of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland. Lying in a remote area in the far northwest of Sutherland, it rises almost vertically from a wilderness landscape of moorland, bogs and lochans known as Inverpolly.

The mountain forms a steep-sided ridge some 2 km in length. The highest point, known as Caisteal Liath (the Grey Castle in Gaelic), lies at the northwest end of this ridge. There are two other summits: Meall Meadhonach (Middle Hill) at the central point of the ridge is 723 m high, whilst Meall Beag (Little Hill) lies at the southeastern end.

Geologically, Suilven is formed of Torridonian sandstone, sitting on a landscape of Lewisian Gneiss. As the softer rocks eroded Suilven was left as an Inselberg, an "island-mountain", hence the prominence of the peak.

From the coast to the west Suilven looks like a large grey pillar, hence the name which it was given by sea-borne Vikings. From the inland side the mountain has more of the appearance of a pyramid.

In 2005 Glencanisp estate, of which Suilven forms part and the neighbouring Drumrunie estate, were bought by the local community with the help of the John Muir Trust. The Assynt Foundation aims to create local employment and safeguard the natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of the community and future generations, and for the enjoyment of the wider public.

[edit] Ascent

The most common route of ascent starts from the end of the public road that leads to Glencanisp Lodge, about 1.5 km from Lochinver to the west of the summit. From here a path leads across undulating moorland toward the mountain, which will be seen clearly ahead. About 6 km after leaving the road, and shortly after crossing the Abhainn na Clach Airigh, a cairn marks the spot where one should leave the path. A boggy path leads towards Suilven, reaching Bealach Mor (the Great Bealach) after a little over 2 km. The final pull up to the bealach is steep, and the path is much eroded, but from here the summit is easily attained. The summit itself is broad and grassy, though it is almost totally surrounded by vertical cliffs.

Another route starts from Inverkirkaig, some 4 km south of Lochinver: this route reaches the bealach from the south, passing Kirkaig Falls on the way. One may also start from Elphin, on the eastern side. It is possible to reach the ridge without first climbing to Bealach Mor from this direction, though very exposed scrambling is required, particularly between Meall Meadhonach and Meall Beag.

By Scottish standards all routes to Suilven are long days; all are around 25 km in length over rough terrain.