Cul Mor and Lochinver

We’ve had another great hike today, climbing the twin peaks of Cul Mor (big back, 849 metres). Neither of us thought the route looked very exciting from the road but it was recommended in my guidebook, and very accessible from last night’s stop over at Knockan Crag, so we decided to give it a go.

We followed an obvious path gently up through the moorland until, after about 2 kilometres, we reached a large cairn. The terrain now became steeper and rougher, through peat bog (thankfully quite dry after little rain) then sparkly white rocks.

A line of cairns guided us up the mountain until we reached the point where we turned to climb to Cul Mor’s neighbouring peak, Creag nan Calman (828 metres). The cairns now stopped and we picked our way over pathless rough ground until we met a good track to the flat and sandy saddle between the two peaks. From here, it was a short climb to the top where we enjoyed wonderful views of Stac Pollaidh and Cul Beag.

After dropping back down to the saddle, it was another climb to Cul Mor’s top. We loved the sandstone boulders just below the summit and spent some time having fun climbing them!

The rock changed back to white sparkly rock on the final pull to the top. The geology in this area is fascinating. There was a trig point at the summit so, of course, I had to climb it. I’m mystified why it was in the middle of the summit shelter!

We enjoyed lunch in the sunshine, surrounded by mountains, with dozens of lochs at their feet, and the sea beyond. Then it was time to descend, firstly clambering over large boulders on the steep mountainside, then through smaller rocks and moorland as the gradient lessened, before following the cairns again and retracing our steps to Molly Moho.

The hike wasn’t easy with such rough terrain, but equally wasn’t too difficult for my little legs. In the sunshine, the 12 kilometres and 4 hours 20 minutes passed quickly, through the varying landscape, with plenty to enjoy en route. We rewarded ourselves with a beer at the nearest inn, 8 miles away, and now we’re in Lochinver. We’re rested, showered and ready to go out and see what the town has to offer.