北西サザーランドのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

A superb mountain in the far north west of Scotland, rough, tough and wild! The main approaches are from the north from the deep valley of the River Dionard, and then up rough pathless steep slopes - the way I went. There is a longer route from the south, bypassing Arkle and then followiing the long ridge. Either way, you are very unlikely to see anyone else on you journey.

The summit of Arkle is a big stone covered dome, easy to climb onto after the narrow ridge, and the views are more restricted than on the ridge itself, but still worthwhile.

The narrow ridge is an 'interesting' section - fine in good dry weather but caution is required in wet / windy weather. Quartzite becomes as slippery as soap when wet, and the narrowest part of the ridge is flat slabs of the stuff.

The summit of Ben Stack is a wonderful viewpoint, Quinaq and Assynt to the south; Arkle and Foinaven across Loch Stack to the north; the coast to the west. This is a fine little mountain in an isolated lonely part of the far north west of Scotland.

The ridge approaching Arkle is a pathless spine of quartzite. The ridge is rocky, exposed and has a little easy scrambling. In wet weather the rock can be a bit slippery.

The track which follows the Srath Dionard valley is well surfaced and easy walking compared to almost anything else in this area. It allows easy walking or even the use of a mountain bike to speed up access into the hills.

Arkle stands at 787 m in the North-west Sutherland region of the highlands. It's a large, curving ridge of shattered quartzite with great views over the area and back towards Foinavon.

Ben Stack is a nice pointy mountain, standing at 721 m. It's classified as a Fiona. The classic walk is up the fairly pathless and sometimes boggy south-eastern ridge. The reward is a great distinct summit and far-reaching views.