In 2005 Glencanisp estate 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.

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                                                         Suilven from the Glencanisp Lodge path                                                                                                                 from the west

Suilven is a steep-sided ridge some 2 km in length. The highest point, known as Caisteal Liath (the Grey Castle in Scottish Gaelic), lies at the Lochinver end. From the coast Suilven looks like a large grey pillar, hence the name which it was given by sea-borne Vikings

From  Glencanisp Lodge a path leads across undulating moorland toward the mountain, which will be seen clearly ahead. Shortly after crossing Abhainn na Clach Àirigh (a river a boggy path leads towards Suilven, reaching Bealach Mòr (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 , broad and grass, is almost totally surrounded by vertical cliffs. The views are extensive! From the summit you can return via Inverkirkaig, some 4 km south of Lochinver: by leaving the bealach towards the south, passing Kirkaig Falls on the way or by a more exciting traverse of  the ridge (some  exposed scrambling is required, particularly between Meall Meadhonach and Meall Beag.). Even by Scottish standards routes to Suilven are longish days; often around 25 km in length over rough terrain - though a simple there and back from the Lodge will shorten this considerably.

Ben Klibreck from the west

The second most northerly Munro. Its shortest ascent is from the main road to the bealach just below the main summit though this can be very boggy. A better day is to ascend the ridge from the south from near Crask and traverse the several humps and bumps of the main ridge. Ascents from the east (starting at Crask) look to offer a different and scenic approach if a little longer.

Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughail

This Corbett appears to sport the second longest place name in the UK and 10^th in the world!

It lies north of the road from Laxford Bridge just past Loch Stack and seems to offer a couple of ridge rounds one from between Loch Stack and Loch More and another from just south of the latter.

                                    Stack Pollaidh              Inverpollaidh Hills                   Cul Mhor

                                         Cul Beag                                                                     Ben More Coigach

Photo: Jim Barton

Breabag and Beinn an Fhuarain

The limestone crag in the foreground contains the “Bone Caves” of Inchnadamph. They are named after the remains of a bewildering amount and variety of animal bones that were discovered here over a hundred years ago. There are three main cave entrances, named badger, reindeer and bone cave as you travel from west to east. Although they do not go in very far it is worth taking a torch. Behind is Breabag - the caves may be visited on the way to this Corbett or as an easy 3 mile walk on their own.

Ben More Assynt lies close behind – a Munro well known to many in the party.

Boat Tours

Kylesku Boat Tours

Offer boat trips (1½ hours) to Glen Coul with views of its famous waterfall and of a seal colony

The also run seaward trips out to the Badcall islands

Trips start ”around Easter

Web: http://www.rachaelclare.com/tours.html

Ullapool – Summer Isles trips

Two boats, Isabella and Summer Queen offer trips which land on one island for one hour. Fast RIB trips without a landing are offered by the third operator.

http://www.summerisles-seatours.co.uk/

www.summerqueen.co.uk/

www.sea-scape.co.uk/

Scourie – Speed boat wild-life cruises

Operate from Tarbet (Handa pier) whilst Scourie pier is repaired

http://www.scouriewildlifecruises.co.uk/cruises.php

Check nearer the time if their seasons have started.

Achiltibue Hydroponics

Open spring to October. They are happy for visits by prior arrangement if keen to see the hydroponic systems. Need to check opening times.

http://www.thehydroponicum.com/

Highland Stoneware

Based in Lochinver. Visitors are welcome to walk round the pottery and to watch the artists and crafts people at work.

"Memories of Childhood" museum

Based in Unapool near Kylesku  contains a large selection of dolls and dolls houses. All the items in the Doll Room have been collected by the owner, Mary, during the past 40-plus years. The original nucleus were the dolls belonging to her mother and aunt, circa 1910. Other dolls of the same era have also come from their original owners and are thus much loved childhood companions. The collection marks the developments of dolls through the 1920's, 30's and 40's.

Smoo Cave – near Durness

Open all year. Boat trips into the 3^rd chamber last 20 min and cost £3 per adult and £2 per child. They operate from 11 am to 4 pm in April,

Best

Typical

Worst

Accommodation per head inc heating etc:

£150

£160

£170

Food

£60

£65

£70

Alcohol (depending on consumption!)

£0

£25

£60

Morning coffee / lunch out / Afternoon teas etc

£0

£10

£50

Tourism (e.g. Ferries, House/ Garden entry)

£0

£30

£50

Totals

£ 210

£ 290

£ 400