📌 Assynt, Highland
★★★★
Hidden away behind the scree-ridden bulk of Conival, Ben More is the highest hill in Assynt. The two hills are the region’s only two Munros, topping out just shy of 1,000 metres above sea level. This surprisingly tough route packs in a lot of variety, with a wonderfully scenic approach along the River Traligill enhanced by a short detour to the limestone Traligill Caves. The real highlight isn’t seen until later: the enticing, rocky ridge joining the two peaks. Loose rock and rough boulderfields make for slow going, but the fantastic views are ample reward. Even better: as a there-and-back outing, you get to do it all twice…
📷 Chronological photo guide
Approaching the lowest of the Traligill Caves 
The first cave – the River Traligill flows underground from here 
Dry riverbed below the first cave 
Uamh an Tartair (Cave of the Roaring) 
Uamh an Uisge (Cave of the Water) 
View from Uamh an Uisge 
Pothole above Uamh an Tartair 
River Traligill 
River Traligill 
View ahead to Conival 
View back to Canisp (centre) from the ascent 
Rock band before the bealach between Conival & Beinn an Fhurain 
Scrambly section – slightly easier alternative further to left 
Red deer with the ridge to Ben More Assynt behind 
Looking back down Conival’s northwest ridge, Loch Assynt beyond 
View south from Conival 
Ridge to Ben More Assynt 
Beinn an Fhurain seen from the ridge 
View east towards Loch Shin from Ben More Assynt 
Conival from Inchnadamph
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish on A837 at Inchnadamph Hotel
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NC 251216
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 58.148638,-4.973427
🚌 Extremely infrequent bus to Inchnadamph
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
▶ 18 km / 11 mi | ▲ 1490 m | ⌛ 8.5-9.5 hr
Features: 💧 River Traligill; 🕸 Traligill Caves; △ Conival (987 m, Munro); △ Ben More Assynt (998 m, Munro)
⬤ Tough | Mostly good paths through the glen and to caves. Pathless shortcut with usually easy burn crossing after caves – beware possible potholes. After leaving the glen the route is rocky and eroded with some bog lower down and a couple of easy scrambles higher up. Path is clear except where occasionally lost amongst boulders high up.
Download file for GPS➡️ Out-and-back walk with minor detours to caves: start – cross River Traligill – Glenbain – Traligill Caves (lower & upper) – cut across to join main path on north side of river – bealach between Conival & Beinn an Fhurain – Conival – Ben More Assynt – return by outward route or similar
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Red deer on Conival; lots of frogs.
Weather: Sunny intervals, especially in the morning; feeling warm early on but a chilly breeze on the tops.
July 2017
