Assynt and the Far North: Conival (158) and Ben More Assynt (141)

Walk date: 28/06/11
My Munro #'s: 213 and 214

Pronunciations - translations - heights:

Konivaal - hill of joining - 987mByn moar assint - big hill of Assynt - 998m

Statistics:

Duration - 10:50 - 17:30
Distance - 17.4 km
Total ascent - 1040m
Weather - grey, wind, spots of rain and sun!

Team - with Paul P

Other hikers: lots, a busy day

Paul P and George 'Daddy Team' Hiking Trip 2011

Day 4 - Tuesday

This day marked our journeying on to the true far north of Scotland, a wild land less jagged and high than the heart of the Highlands, but with a remote air that can't be challenged, not to mention the so-called A-roads1!

From the four munros in this district, Conival and Ben More Assynt are the only ones that can be linked together. The route is straightforward from the Inchnadamph car park , as it rises gradually up the long Glean Dubh with Conival evident before you. A diversion is possible from the ascent to visit the Tralligill Caves, but with a fair bit of travelling before and after our hike we keep our gaze on Conival.

Toward the top of the glen, the path bends north east to reach the col between Conival and Beinn an Fhurain, after that the pace of ascent continues up the rocky northern ridge of Conival which flattens on top with the summit being along at the join to the Ben More Assynt ridge. A spot of a rest here to soak in the simply massive vistas on offer.

The summit of Ben More Assynt is less than 2km away, and the route on is simple enough navigation, however the ridge between the two peaks is awash with loose stones and the going is slow and tiring; a rare route where some snow would actually help! Having made it to the summit, we took in a deserved rest while enjoying huge views over Loch Shin and low hills for miles around.

A fine day out, with a great stop in the recommended Achininver Youth Hostel overnight, enjoying real sun with some fine real ale!

A great looking hostel at the base of the path:

Conival makes an appearance:

On the rise up Conival:

Huge views from Conival's summit:

That rocky ridge to Ben More Assynt:

A nice spot for lunch on Ben More Assynt:

Enjoying the descent through Glean Dubh: