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The Sutherland Trail *Week*
~ Sunday 20th June 10 from 6pm to Saturday 26th June 10, PM ~
The Sutherland Trail (In Blue)
~ Sunday 20th June 10 from 6pm to Saturday 26th June 10, PM ~
~ Sunday 20th June 10 from 6pm to Saturday 26th June 10, PM ~
£
450.00
INCLUDED IN COST : PLACES AVAILABLE
Four nights in the following Hotels:
(Sun) One night Bed & Breakfast in Lochinver - Hotel to be confirmed
(Mon) One night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Inchnadamph Hotel.
(Tues) One night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Kylesku Hotel. *NOTE* Space is limited, depending on numbers, local B&B's may also be used.
(Fri) One night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Ben Loyal Hotel (Tongue). *NOTE* Space is limited, depending on numbers, local B&B's may also be used.
TreadinGround support vehicle carrying your tents (you supply) for Wed, Thurs night and also food and water supplies, luggage, etc.
Transport on the Saturday to take you from Tongue to your vehicles at Lochinver.
Full days guiding on five days.
Packed Lunches on all days (5)
Guide Booked : Shaun Hibbard
For Payment: Please read the Booking Terms & Conditions on the tab above, under 'How to Book'.
To pay by PayPal, click on the 'Buy Now' to the right. Cheque and Bank Transfer are also acceptable.
Four nights in the following Hotels:
(Sun) One night Bed & Breakfast in Lochinver - Hotel to be confirmed
(Mon) One night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Inchnadamph Hotel.
(Tues) One night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Kylesku Hotel. *NOTE* Space is limited, depending on numbers, local B&B's may also be used.
(Fri) One night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Ben Loyal Hotel (Tongue). *NOTE* Space is limited, depending on numbers, local B&B's may also be used.
TreadinGround support vehicle carrying your tents (you supply) for Wed, Thurs night and also food and water supplies, luggage, etc.
Transport on the Saturday to take you from Tongue to your vehicles at Lochinver.
Full days guiding on five days.
Packed Lunches on all days (5)
Guide Booked : Shaun Hibbard
For Payment: Please read the Booking Terms & Conditions on the tab above, under 'How to Book'.
To pay by PayPal, click on the 'Buy Now' to the right. Cheque and Bank Transfer are also acceptable.
Overview
The Sutherland Trail is a new long distance walk through North & West Sutherland from Lochinver to Tongue - a 5 to 8 day (70 to 90 miles) walk with options to climb some of the spectacular mountains in this remote part of Scotland.
The route follows ancient pathways, stalkers routes, hill tracks and quiet roads leading the walker on a journey not just through this unique landscape but also through one of the most geologically fascinating parts of the UK. It passes caves, chambered cairns and the remains of ancient shielings, follows river banks and loch-sides, climbs iconic hills and visits the highest waterfall in Britain.
The route follows ancient pathways, stalkers routes, hill tracks and quiet roads leading the walker on a journey not just through this unique landscape but also through one of the most geologically fascinating parts of the UK. It passes caves, chambered cairns and the remains of ancient shielings, follows river banks and loch-sides, climbs iconic hills and visits the highest waterfall in Britain.
When you tell friends or others that your going to Sutherland, you usually get that blank or confused expression on their face , they think its in a foreign country far away in some forgotten land.
In the most part Sutherland is a forgotten land but alot nearer than most people think, it’s tucked up high in the far North-west of Scotland.
It has often been described as ‘the empty land’, much of it is untamed and unpopulated, and the landscape has often been described as ‘moonscape’. The grandeur of this land and it’s history attracts hill walkers and backpackers, who recognise this wild corner of Scotland as one of the UK’s great adventure destinations.
On this walk Sutherland is revealed as a land rich in glorious scenery, wildlife and natural resources, a region that was once vastly more populated than it is today.
For details about the walk please see below :
In the most part Sutherland is a forgotten land but alot nearer than most people think, it’s tucked up high in the far North-west of Scotland.
It has often been described as ‘the empty land’, much of it is untamed and unpopulated, and the landscape has often been described as ‘moonscape’. The grandeur of this land and it’s history attracts hill walkers and backpackers, who recognise this wild corner of Scotland as one of the UK’s great adventure destinations.
On this walk Sutherland is revealed as a land rich in glorious scenery, wildlife and natural resources, a region that was once vastly more populated than it is today.
For details about the walk please see below :
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The Trail
This walk has been broken up into 5 days covering from 12 to 18miles aday. Time has been given each day to climb at least one of the magniciant mountains on the trail.
Our accommodation comprises of Hotels, bunkhouses and our own tents, we shall also be supported by a TreadinGround vehicle carrying food and water supplies, your tents and other luggage, this will keep the weight you carry on your back to a minimum.
Our accommodation comprises of Hotels, bunkhouses and our own tents, we shall also be supported by a TreadinGround vehicle carrying food and water supplies, your tents and other luggage, this will keep the weight you carry on your back to a minimum.
Day 1 ~ Approx 14miles, excluding the ascent of Suilven ~ Lochinver to Inchnadamph
We leave our vehicles in Lochinver on the west coast, the route heads east following a quiet road to Glencanisp lodge where we follow a track behind the house and continue on a bulldozed track past the bothy of Suileag. Not to long afterwards we cross over the river via a footbridge where we find our route up the Graham Suilven (The Pillar) at 731m (2398ft).
Once we have returned to the trail we continue our journey east crossing the river once again and then along the North shore of Loch na Gainimh before going through the pass of the Allt a’Ghlinne Dhorca with the Southern flanks of Canisp (Roof) at 847m (2778ft) looking down on us.
Continuing on and along the South shore of Lochan Fada to its Easterly end, from where we suddenly head North-east off the path onto and over rough ground over the shoulder of Canisp and descend to the River Lonan where we cross via a bridge and pass Stronchrubie. From here we follow the river North to Inchnadamph and our first overnight stay.
Once we have returned to the trail we continue our journey east crossing the river once again and then along the North shore of Loch na Gainimh before going through the pass of the Allt a’Ghlinne Dhorca with the Southern flanks of Canisp (Roof) at 847m (2778ft) looking down on us.
Continuing on and along the South shore of Lochan Fada to its Easterly end, from where we suddenly head North-east off the path onto and over rough ground over the shoulder of Canisp and descend to the River Lonan where we cross via a bridge and pass Stronchrubie. From here we follow the river North to Inchnadamph and our first overnight stay.
Day 2 ~ Approx 13miles, excluding the ascent of Glas Bheinn ~ Inchnadamph to Kylesku
After giving our legs a well deserved rest and fed and watered our stomachs its time to explore some more, we head East for a short while on a well made track before reaching a cairn which signifies a change of direction for us, from here its North along a stalkers path which climbs up hill besides the Allt Poll an Droighinn and by Loch Fleodach Coire before climbing the high bealach between Glas Bheinn and Beinn Uidhe which stands at 740m (2428ft). From this bealach we climb our mountain for the day, the Corbett of Glas Bheinn (Grey Hill) at 776m (2545ft) which is less than a mile away and less than 500ft ascent. Once we return to the bealach we continue on the path as it descends in zig zags towards the Eas a’ Chual Alluinn waterfall at 201m (658ft) it is the highest waterfall in the UK.
Once we have taken a few photos we continue on through the Bealach a’ Bhuirich and down to Loch na Gainmhich before joining the road for the 3.5miles to Kylesku and our 2nd overnight stay on the trip.
Once we have taken a few photos we continue on through the Bealach a’ Bhuirich and down to Loch na Gainmhich before joining the road for the 3.5miles to Kylesku and our 2nd overnight stay on the trip.
Day 3 ~ Approx 12miles, excluding the ascent of Arkle or Foinaven ~ Kylesku to Lone
Waking feeling refreshed and suitably fed we begin our walk by crossing Loch a’ Chairn Bhain via a short but stunning road bridge, we follow this road for approx 1.5km before we strike off right following signs for Reay estate, just before the pier we then take a track left which follows the shore line for 2km before we head North-east following the Maldie Burn. The track begins to rise as we make ground towards the high point of our long traverse of the Reay Forest Estate at the Bealach nam Fiann at 400m. Up here we pass the remains of some old stone buildings (Sheilings) once used by crofters in the 18th century for short stays enabling the cattle to graze, before returning to the glens in late summer.
From the Bealach we descend to Lochmore Lodge and out onto a road which we follow for approx 2km past Achfary , where then we turn right onto another track. We continue along this track for a short while crossing a bridge over the river, passing the beautifully situated house of Airdachuilinn right on the shores of Loch Stack, to a locked building at Lone and to the location of our 3rd overnight stay. Here we meet up again with our support vehicle, un-pack our tents and set up our camp ready for the night. But the day doesn’t finish yet , time allowing (should be plenty) we can make an ascent of one of the two Corbett’s in the area, Arkle (Peak of the Chest) at 787m (2582ft) or the magniciant Foinaven (White Mountain) at 911m (2988ft) neither of which should be missed. On our return to camp, should weather conditions allow and the estate owner, here we will light a fire, eat, drink and talk about our exploits of the day.
From the Bealach we descend to Lochmore Lodge and out onto a road which we follow for approx 2km past Achfary , where then we turn right onto another track. We continue along this track for a short while crossing a bridge over the river, passing the beautifully situated house of Airdachuilinn right on the shores of Loch Stack, to a locked building at Lone and to the location of our 3rd overnight stay. Here we meet up again with our support vehicle, un-pack our tents and set up our camp ready for the night. But the day doesn’t finish yet , time allowing (should be plenty) we can make an ascent of one of the two Corbett’s in the area, Arkle (Peak of the Chest) at 787m (2582ft) or the magniciant Foinaven (White Mountain) at 911m (2988ft) neither of which should be missed. On our return to camp, should weather conditions allow and the estate owner, here we will light a fire, eat, drink and talk about our exploits of the day.
Day 4 ~ Approx 15miles, excluding any mountain ascents ~ Lone to Loch Hope
Hopefully we had a good nights sleep and are raring to go and discover more of the landscape and history of the area.
Today, maybe longer than the others in terms of miles but ascent wise it’s less. From our camp site on the shores of Loch Stack we wave a cheerio to our vehicle and follow the track East alongside the Abhainn an Loin which gradually narrows and steepens as it makes its way to the Bealach na Feithe. Here 1km to the North and 900ft of ascent above us lies the Graham of Sabhal Beag (Little Barn) at 732m (2401ft) but this is best left alone today as we need to reseve our energy for the end of the day. We continue East descending down the glen with stunning views below and around us, then through a forest, cross a bridge over the Abhainn Srath Coir’ an Easaidh and descend to the Gobernuisgach Lodge. After quietly walking through the grounds of the lodge, we continue East along the track through another forest above the river, shortly after leaving the forest behind us we quickly change our direction to go North again and follow Fisherman’s trails alongside the Strathmore River. After approx 3km we come to join the road at Dun Dornaigil. Here there is the opportunity to look at a broch dating back from the iron age and although we are unable to enter it, it is a spectacular sight in Strath More Glen. We follow this road North for a further 4km to our 4th and final overnight stay on the trail and again it’s out with the tents from the vehicle, but this time under the watchful eye of Ben Hope’s West facing cliffs. At this point the group must make a choice whether to climb Ben Hope (Hill of the Inlet or Bay) at 927m (3041ft) now or leave it until the morning.
Today, maybe longer than the others in terms of miles but ascent wise it’s less. From our camp site on the shores of Loch Stack we wave a cheerio to our vehicle and follow the track East alongside the Abhainn an Loin which gradually narrows and steepens as it makes its way to the Bealach na Feithe. Here 1km to the North and 900ft of ascent above us lies the Graham of Sabhal Beag (Little Barn) at 732m (2401ft) but this is best left alone today as we need to reseve our energy for the end of the day. We continue East descending down the glen with stunning views below and around us, then through a forest, cross a bridge over the Abhainn Srath Coir’ an Easaidh and descend to the Gobernuisgach Lodge. After quietly walking through the grounds of the lodge, we continue East along the track through another forest above the river, shortly after leaving the forest behind us we quickly change our direction to go North again and follow Fisherman’s trails alongside the Strathmore River. After approx 3km we come to join the road at Dun Dornaigil. Here there is the opportunity to look at a broch dating back from the iron age and although we are unable to enter it, it is a spectacular sight in Strath More Glen. We follow this road North for a further 4km to our 4th and final overnight stay on the trail and again it’s out with the tents from the vehicle, but this time under the watchful eye of Ben Hope’s West facing cliffs. At this point the group must make a choice whether to climb Ben Hope (Hill of the Inlet or Bay) at 927m (3041ft) now or leave it until the morning.
Day 5 (Last Walking Day) ~ Approx 13miles, excluding any mountain ascents ~ Loch Hope to Tongue
The final leg takes a route east to the southern point of the Kyle of Tongue (with views to Ben Loyal), and then north to the hamlet of Tongue and a well deserved rest at the Hotel.
We head North on the same tarmac road we trod on the previous evening, fortunately for only a couple of kilometers then its off to the right onto a footpath which we then follow for 13km to the road at Kinloch. Named ‘the Moine path’ its an isolated old path, crossing a boggy wilderness with an astonishing array of flora and fauna, on a good day the area is alive with wildlife and the views back to the North and the rarely seen Eastern sides of Ben Hope are not to be missed.
We descend into Kinloch with views Southeast to Ben Loyal, we pick up the tarmac road which we then follow to this journey’s end at Tongue. However, between Kinloch and Tongue there is an opportunity to make a diversion to climb Ben Loyal (Law Hill or The Castle) at 764m (2506ft), but will the temptation of a warm shower, warm food and a glass of wine at your hotel keep you from climbing this final and stunning mountain?????
We head North on the same tarmac road we trod on the previous evening, fortunately for only a couple of kilometers then its off to the right onto a footpath which we then follow for 13km to the road at Kinloch. Named ‘the Moine path’ its an isolated old path, crossing a boggy wilderness with an astonishing array of flora and fauna, on a good day the area is alive with wildlife and the views back to the North and the rarely seen Eastern sides of Ben Hope are not to be missed.
We descend into Kinloch with views Southeast to Ben Loyal, we pick up the tarmac road which we then follow to this journey’s end at Tongue. However, between Kinloch and Tongue there is an opportunity to make a diversion to climb Ben Loyal (Law Hill or The Castle) at 764m (2506ft), but will the temptation of a warm shower, warm food and a glass of wine at your hotel keep you from climbing this final and stunning mountain?????
Day 6
After a good shower, breakfast and coffee/tea we leave the hotel in a mini bus, which will take us on a scenic journey back through Sutherland to Lochinver, passing Durness, Rhiconich, Scourie, Kylesku, Quinag and Loch Assynt.
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The book intitled 'The Sutherland Way' written by Cameron McNeish and published by mountain media : www.mountain-media.co.uk is available through their website, for the price of £20 + p&p.