Suilven
Mountain Distinctive Scottish mountain with steep rhyolite ridge
In northwest Scotland Suilven rises as a distinctive ridge above moorland and lochs. Hikers take steep routes for coastal viewpoints and the mountain’s unusual isolated profile.
Suilven is a distinctive inselberg ridge in the Assynt hills of Sutherland in northwest Scotland, notable for its steep-sided profile and narrow crest. Its highest point, Caisteal Liath, reaches 731 metres above sea level.
The mountain is popular with hillwalkers and scramblers for its striking silhouette and panoramic summit views; approach routes cross moorland and minor tracks rather than developed trails. Many ascents require a mixture of steep walking and simple scrambling over rocky ground.
Suilven’s shape results from glacial sculpting of Torridonian sandstone during and following the last Ice Age, leaving the hard ridge standing above surrounding eroded terrain. It has long been a landmark in local geography and mapping.
Suilven lies in the Assynt area of Sutherland on Scotland’s northwest coast, within a remote moorland and loch-strewn landscape; nearby settlements include small villages such as Lochinver and the town of Ullapool to the west and southwest respectively.
- Summit height: Summit height is 731 metres at the peak called Caisteal Liath, making it a distinctive isolated ridge in the Assynt area.
How to Get to Suilven #
Nearest towns: Lochinver (approx. 30-40 km). Access via A837 and local minor roads; start points for hikes commonly approached from Inverkirkaig with parking and guided options available.
Tips for Visiting Suilven #
- Hire a local guide for the Suilven traverse - the mountain's ridgelines can be complex and its weather notoriously changeable.
- Start very early in summer for longer daylight windows; midges can be bad in calm, humid conditions.
Best Time to Visit Suilven #
Best in summer for access and daylight, but be prepared for rain and sudden wind at any time of year.
Weather & Climate near Suilven #
Suilven's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2112 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (231 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (205 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (233 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (247 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (230 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
