Scotland the best
Scotland’s a hillwalker’s paradise, and it’s not all about bagging Munros. Try these popular climbs
Suilven, Lochinver
Route from Inverkirkaig, three miles south of Lochinver on the road to Achiltibuie, turns up track by fabled Achin’s Bookshop on the path for the Kirkaig Falls; once at the loch, you head for the Bealach, the central waistline through an unexpected dyke and follow track to the top. The slightly quicker route from the north (Glencanisp) following a stalkers’ track that eventually leads to Elphin, also heads for the central breach in the mountain’s defences. Either way it’s a long walk in; five miles before the climb. Allow eight hours return. At the top, the most enjoyable 100m in the land and below – amazing Assynt. 731m. Take OS map.
Goat Fell, Arran
Starting from the car park by the Arran Brewery, two miles from town, or from Corrieburn Bridge south of Corrie further up the coast (seven miles). A worn path, a steady climb, rarely much of a scramble; a rewarding afternoon’s exertion. Some scree and some view! 874m. Usually not circular. Allow five hours.
The Cobbler, Arrochar
Perennial favourite of Glasgow hillwalkers and, for sheer exhilaration, the most popular of the Arrochar Alps. A good path ascends from the A83 on the other side of Loch Long from Arrochar (park in lay-bys near Succoth road end) and takes two-and-a-half to three hours to traverse the up ’n’ down route to the top. Just short of a Munro at 881m, it has three tops, of which the north peak is the simplest scramble.
Stac Pollaidh, near Ullapool
Hill rising out of the Sutherland moors on the road to Achiltibuie off the A835. The route everyone takes is from the car park by Loch Lurgainn, five miles from main road. The last lap to the pinnacles is exposed and can be off-putting. Best half-day hill climb in the north. 613m. Allow three-four hours return.