Kinlochbervie – Sat 3rd – Sun 4th November 2007
O.S.Map(s): 9, 10
Accommodation: Village Hall
Cost: Minimal, exact amount TBC
Facilities: Showers, kitchen, but bring mats and sleeping bags

Foinaven, Arkle & Ben Stack are three of Sutherland’s most spectacular peaks, offering superb walks and excellent scrambling.

BEN STACK (2366ft 721m)

Approximately two hours. The car park is at the stone barn a quarter of a mile north of Loch Stack Lodge on the A838. Fifty yards north along the A838 a track strikes north west up the hillside. Follow this round and south until in half a mile a wall and fence are reached, descending steeply from the left. Follow this fence up onto the north west ridge of Ben Stack. The route continues all the way up the ridge keeping a little to the left at the summit’s steeper crest. Follow the crest along to the cairn.

Alternative descent:- Continue in the same line as the ridge south east, until the route ascends again slightly. Follow this rise bearing left to a long wide grassy ramp which leads down towards the wooden structure at the side of the A838, almost at the southern end of Loch Stack. Beware of the rock outcrops at the bottom!

FOINAVEN (2980ft 908m)

Parking is on the A838 Durness road where a waterfall can be seen on your left. You then walk straight from the road south east across the boggy moors straight towards Foinaven. Steep grass slopes lead to the ridge of Ceann Garbh, the highest point. The whole mountain is then quite an easy climb, but give yourself plenty of time to explore.

ARKLE (2582ft 786m)

Approximately three hours. There is a car park at the stone barn a quarter of a mile north of Loch Stack Lodge on the A838. Route:- Cross the bridge to Loch Stack Lodge, turn right and follow the track north east. After one and a half miles the track turns sharp left under the slopes of Arkle heading almost north. At this point turn right, south east, and follow the northern lochside for about half a mile. Strike diagonally up the hillside, aiming to pass through the rocks in line with the end of the loch to gain the high wide corrie leading to the summit ridge of Arkle. Ascend this corrie bearing left near the top to reach the ridge. Follow the ridge left due north to the summit.

BEN HOPE (3040ft 927m)

About three hours. Access to the south ridge of Ben Hope can be made almost anywhere from the Cashel Dhue turn off, to Dun Dornaigil. However the easiest start is from Dun Dornaigil Follow the true left bank which is on the right hand side when looking up, of the Allt na Coullich, turning to cross it in a quarter of a mile, to head due north up the south ridge. Follow this easily all the way to the summit cairn.

Contact Dave Galloway to confirm a place.