Corbett · Far North
Arkle
Arkle is Foinaven's quartzite twin — the more compact, more conical neighbour rising above Loch Stack deep in the Reay Forest. Where Foinaven sprawls along a three-kilometre ridge, Arkle is a single triangular mountain with bright pale slopes that gleam after rain and an unmistakeable profile from the south. The name has become a synonym for tough endurance in racing thanks to the legendary steeplechaser, and the hill earns the association — short on metres, long on character, and with terrain that punishes anyone in a hurry.
Quick facts
- Height
- 787m/ 2582ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 920 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NC302461
- Parking
- NC295394
- Nearest
- Ullapool
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
loch-side path 20% · rough moorland 25% · quartzite terraces 40% · summit ridge 15%
The standard line starts at Achfary on the A838 by Loch More. Follow the estate road north-west past Lone, climbing into the lower glen for around 4km. Where the track ends near the Allt Horn, head north onto Arkle's south-east ridge. The route climbs steadily over quartzite blocks to the summit cairn. The simplest descent retraces the ascent line; an alternative drops south to Loch Stack for a circuit, though that involves a river crossing of the Allt Horn. Allow 6–7 hours.
Terrain
Good estate track for the first 4km, then trackless boggy ground onto the ridge. The upper mountain is built of polished white quartzite — large stable blocks that demand careful foot placement, and which become genuinely slippery in any wet conditions. The summit ridge is narrow with significant drops east into Coire Trillichie.
In winter
In winter Arkle is a serious far-north hill day. The quartzite ridge ices up readily and the descent line is committing in deep snow. With under seven usable hours of light through midwinter at 58° north, headtorches are essential at both ends of the day. In firm consolidated conditions it ranks as easily the finest small mountain days in Britain; in marginal weather, well left alone.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 25m
- Edinburgh6h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 9
Mobile signal: No usable signal in the Reay Forest interior; brief EE/Vodafone on the A838 at Achfary
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:09
- Civil dawn
- 03:17
- Civil dusk
- 23:18
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Arkle.
Around Arkle on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Arkle — common questions
- How hard is Arkle?
- Arkle is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 920m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: Good estate track for the first 4km, then trackless boggy ground onto the ridge.
- Where do I park for Arkle?
- Standard parking is at NC295394 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Arkle?
- The standard good-weather months for Arkle are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Arkle?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Arkle?
- No usable signal in the Reay Forest interior; brief EE/Vodafone on the A838 at Achfary
- Is Arkle safe in winter?
- In winter Arkle is a serious far-north hill day. The quartzite ridge ices up readily and the descent line is committing in deep snow. With under seven usable hours of light through midwinter at 58° north, headtorches are essential at both ends of the day. In firm consolidated conditions it ranks as easily the finest small mountain days in Britain; in marginal weather, well left alone.