There are currently no dates scheduled for this trip.
We offer private and bespoke group options for all our trips. This trip can start on any date of your choosing, with a minimum of 4 people. To explore this option please don’t hesitate to contact us with your preferred dates, accommodation, and group size.
You can also let us know if you would like to see this walking holiday added to our trip calendar or if you simply wish to register an interest. We will accommodate requests from our walkers wherever possible.
Overview
In the far north west of Scotland lies some of its most wonderful hills, mountains and scenery. Our hillwalking holiday will give you a chance to bag Munros and some of the magnificent Corbetts in the area. This unique landscape of rock and water is a walkers’ paradise. As well as the hillwalking we will take it slightly easier on a day trip to Handa Island, a haven for breeding seabirds.
Based in the tiny coastal village of Scourie we will travel each day to take on some of the best hillwalking Scotland has to offer.
Highlights of Assynt & Sutherland
- Climb the iconic mountain of the area, Suilven.
- Collect Corbetts on the mountains of Arkle & Quinag.
- Tick off a couple of Munros in Ben More Assynt and Conival.
- Enjoy a trip to Handa Island Wildlife Reserve.
Itinerary
Each day you will be guided by your qualified and friendly Mountain Leader who will be on hand to help you up, along and down these fantastic rocky mountains.
We will be with you from the moment you set off in the morning to the moment you arrive at your accommodation in the evening. You will only need to carry your day bag on the mountains, with the essentials to keep you warm, dry, fed, and hydrated for the day.
Everything will be arranged so that you can just enjoying the mountains!
Below is our 'Plan A' itinerary for exploring the hills and mountains of Assynt & Sutherland. However, it may be necessary to shuffle the itinerary to suit the weather and the group. Your guide will let you know their plan for the week at the welcome evening and of any potential changes.
This is your chance to make your way to Scourie. You can do this under your own steam, but as this is an area tricky to get to on public transport, we offer a free transfer from Inverness.
Whether you are planning to get the bus, train, or drive to Inverness, you are very welcome to finish the last part of your journey to Scourie with us.
Please do note that the transfer will take 2.5 hours, and we will be leaving Inverness at 2.30pm.
Today we take on this magnificent quartzite Corbett. We will begin on good tracks but then make our main ascent up the predominantly pathless, heathery flank of the mountain.
After the first top is reached, there is a curving ridge with a short, narrow section to negotiate between us and the main summit. Care, along with a head for heights, is required.
Spectacular mountain views are afforded from this vantage point and then of the coast as the summit is reached. We return via the ascent route.
Distance: 17.5km / 11 miles
Total ascent: 880m
Time: 6-7 hours
The iconic Suilven is our aim for day 2. One of Assynt’s most recognised mountains, this former nunatak really stands out.
We will approach the mountain from the west before tackling the steep slopes to its saddle. Turning towards the coast, we will ascend through bands of rock requiring some minor scrambling. Its broad, grassy summit is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy (fingers crossed) the unrivalled views.
We will return by the same route.
Distance: 20km / 12.5 miles
Total ascent: 950m
Time: 6.5-8 hours
After two days “on the hill,” we will take a more leisurely pace today by visiting Handa Island RSPB nature reserve.
After the short ferry ride, we will have time to explore the island and take in the wonderful wildlife. This is a day to bring the binoculars—spot a puffin or a bonxie, and enjoy the large colonies of guillemots and razorbills!
We will be back in the hills today with the aim of bagging the Munros of Ben More Assynt and Conival.
With some steep climbs and rough, rocky terrain underfoot, these are hard-won Munros. But, as with all the mountains here, the views more than compensate for the exertion. We start by heading up the glen from Inchnadamph before making the steep climb to gain the north ridge of Conival.
If energy levels allow, we will continue east to take in the second Munro of Ben More Assynt. Although the distance between the two summits is not far, the ridge is rocky and slow-going. The descent back to Inchnadamph follows the same route in reverse.
Distance: 17.25km/10.75 miles
Total ascent: 1075m
Time: 8.5-10 hours
Today’s objective is Quinag (koon-yak), a complex mountain whose name translates from Gaelic as “milk pail.” This route offers the opportunity to summit three Corbetts.
The walk begins at 250m above sea level, which may be a welcome start at this stage of your holiday. However, it is still a big day if attempting all three summits. We will start by ascending the rocky flank of Spidean Cóinich, negotiating some rocky steps between here and Bealach a’ Chornaidh, where we have a choice of ascent options.
We will likely head directly for the next top before continuing along the northern spur of the mountain to Sàil Ghorm. For the final summit of Sàil Gharbh, we will retrace our steps for about a mile before turning east. From here, a steep but well-pathed descent leads to Lochan Bealach Cornaidh, followed by a good trail back to the car park.
Distance: 14km/8.75 miles
Total ascent: 1125m
Time: 6.5 – 7.5 hours
Today we will leave Scourie and the far north-west. Those taking advantage of the free transfer to Inverness will leave at 9.30am.
What's Included?
The cost includes
- 6 Nights self-catering accommodation
- 5 Days guiding walking
- Qualified Mountain Leader as your guide
- Ferry ticket to Handa Island
- All transfers between accommodation and the mountains
- Full Information Pack
- Maximum group size of 6
- Free transfer to/from Inverness on arrival and departure days
Not included in our packages
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Accommodation Options
Self Catering Holiday Cottage
Self catering accommodation is provided for the 6 nights of this hillwalking holiday. We will base ourselves in a small village in the north-west of Scotland. The cottage will be equipped with cooking facilities and a large sitting room in which to relax. It may be possible to visit local restaurants in the evening but this may be easiest if you bring your car.
We can also offer the self-catering accommodation on a single supplement basis, so you can have your own room. Please note we have limited availability for this and bathroom facilities are shared.
FAQs
This trip is graded 4/5 on our hillwalking and mountaineering scale.
Harder hill walks that will include longer days and pathless sections. There may be scree and minor scrambling. This includes the bulk of the Munros. Previous hillwalking experience is recommended, and good hill fitness needed for enjoyment.
This hillwalking holiday involves steep and sustained ascent and descent over rocky ground. On each mountain there are short sections of minor scrambling and exposure to steep drops. It is a trip requiring hill fitness to be enjoyed.
You can read more about our grading system in our Trip Difficulty Guide.
To help you decide if this trip is right for you, please also refer to the itinerary, which includes daily distances, ascent, and detailed descriptions of the terrain.
The walking in this holiday is physically challenging with lots of hill climbing, as well as rough and rocky terrain. There are some short sections of straightforward scrambling.
The effort is well rewarded in these mountains so you can expect wonderful views of the cnoc and lochan landscape. A day on Handa Island is also a real highlight, whether you’re an ornithologist or not.
As well as the hills and coastline you can expect to feel like you are really getting away from it with our accommodation in a small remote Highland village.
To make the most of this holiday you will want to have a good level of fitness. The hills we will be tackling will be in parts rough, rocky and boggy. We will be making significant height gains most days.
Previous hillwalking experience would be advisable, but if you are physically fit and want to experience something new then this could be a good choice for you as well.
Travel to North West Scotland is not quick, but it is packed with good views.
The simplest way to arrive is by car, which will give you the most flexibility with travel and the ability to explore a little more in the evenings.
Alternatively you can take advantage of a free lift to/from Inverness on arrival/departure day. Inverness is around 2.5 hours drive away and we would aim to arrive by 5.00pm.
For this trek the accommodation is a comfortable and spacious holiday cottage in the small village of Scourie. You will have access to a communal kitchen. Bathroom facilities are shared.
You will be provided with a full kit list, but as a guide you will need:
A medium rucksack (30-35 litres), walking boots, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, a spare warm layers and walking trousers (not jeans or denim), a water bottle, sun and midge protection.
With Thistle Trekking you get a personal service. We are happy to answer any questions and queries and help where we can with all aspects of your trip.
Your point of contact will be the same person from the first enquiry to the final communication before your Assynt & Sutherland holiday.
Our guides are all qualified, experienced, and fun companions on the hill.
