Assynt Traverse
The Assynt Traverse is a multi-day route through Assynt in the North-West Highlands — crossing the quartzite peaks and peat moorland between Lochinver and Inchnadamph past Suilven, Canisp and the distinctive inselberg mountains of one of Scotland's most remote landscapes.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Assynt Traverse
Assynt is unlike anywhere else in Britain. The ancient Lewisian gneiss and Torridonian sandstone landscape, topped with white quartzite peaks that rise individually from the peat moorland like islands from a sea, is geologically the oldest terrain in Europe. Suilven (731 m), Canisp (847 m), Quinag (808 m) and Cul Mor (849 m) are the dominant features — and reaching any of them requires crossing miles of pathless, boggy moorland.
The Assynt Traverse links several of these peaks in a multi-day route from Lochinver to Inchnadamph (or vice versa). It is not a waymarked route — this is serious mountain navigation over remote terrain with no paths on most sections. The reward is one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Britain.
Most runners take two to three days. Fast-packing (running with a light overnight pack) is the normal approach.
The route
Lochinver to Suilven base: The approach to Suilven's western ridge. The peat moorland crossing from Glencanisp Lodge is the key navigation challenge. Suilven's ridge is a scramble.
Suilven to Canisp (~10 km cross-country): Trackless Lewisian gneiss terrain between the two peaks. Navigation by landmark.
Canisp to Inchnadamph: Descent to the A837 and the finish at Inchnadamph Hotel — a traditional Highland base for hillwalkers.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Lochinver. Bus from Inverness (long journey, limited service).
Finish: Inchnadamph. Bus to Ullapool; bus or hire car to Inverness.
The area has very limited accommodation and services — Lochinver has good facilities; Inchnadamph is just the hotel. Book everything well ahead.
Best time: June to August. The peat moorland is impassable in winter.
Safety
The Assynt Traverse is genuinely remote with no paths on most sections, limited mobile signal and rescue access measured in hours. A PLB is strongly recommended. Carry food and water for full days. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Assynt MRT. Pre-register SMS 999 (text 'register' to 999).
Have you completed Assynt Traverse?
Log your round — time, date, attempt type, photos. Connect Strava to pull in your activity automatically.
Completions
No completions logged yet — be the first.