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  Ben Klibreck  

Click to view the route on zoomable OS 1:50000 maps and aerial photos

Munros

Ben Klibreck (962m, Munro 194)

Ascent

825m (2700 ft)

Distance  

14.5km (9 miles)

Time

walking : 5hr*, running : 2hr,
 *Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent


Main route summary


Ben Klibreck covers a vast area above forestry and moorland to the north of Lairg. In shape it resembles Ben Wyvis, with its summit Meall nan Con sitting high above the crests and coires with their lochans.

Paths access the hill from various points, however these are not well worn and tend to occasionally disappear into wet, tussocky grass or marsh. The views from the summit are vast, though slightly disappointing, due to the lack of near features to focus on.



profile
location
start/finish Bridge over River Vagastie
(grid ref : NC537289)

maps/guides  OS Landranger 16 - click to buy from Amazon OS Explorer 443 - click to buy from Amazon Summit Map : North West Highlands - click to buy from Amazon

GPX data download GPX file of this route

terrain
easy Wet grassy tussocky and heathery ground, some scree further up difficult
navigation
easy Faint paths, tricky navigation in mist testing
effort
stroll An unrelenting trudge, unless in fine weather long day
scenery
ok Vast panoramas, but mainly over moorland stunning
 
meanings Ben Klibreck :
    'hill of the speckled cliff'
    from Beinn Cléith Bric
meanings Meall nan Con :
    'hill of the dog'
main route outlineprint route
Getting there
The starting point of the main route is by a bridge over the River Vagastie, 7km south of Altnaharra and 5km north of Crask Inn on the A836. There is parking for 3 or 4 cars by the roadside at the starting point, or where the road crosses the River Vagastie 1.5km south of the starting point.

Ben Klibreck - Meall nan Con
From the roadside, a short section of path leads to the wooden bridge crossing the River Vagastie. Cross this, then follow a wet and worn path over grass and bog to meet up with the burn that flows from Loch Bad an Loch. There's a small waterfall to view on the way. The path crosses to the northern side of the burn, goes through a gate, then continues for another 500m to cross the burn again at a point where the burn turns north. Now fainter, the path heads east and gradually gains height over the next 1km. As it approaches Ben Klibreck's steep slopes, just to the south of Loch nan Uan, the path disappears completely. Head directly uphill over the heather-clad ground. This is a trudge, but after climbing around 250m, you'll meet up with a very faint path crossing your route. This is a deer-trod, so ignore it, and continue uphill for a few more paces to meet up with an obvious boot-worn path that contours around Creag an Lochain. Follow this path northwards to the grassy bealach between Creag an Lochain and Meall nan Con. The path becomes fainter as it heads north then turns west to attain the rocks at the foot of the last pull up to Meall nan Con. The scree, boulders and grass are quickly ascended via the path that twists a route up. A sheltered trig point sits on the summit and expansive views can be enjoyed on clear days.

Return
Return by the same route. Navigating down from Meall nan Con can be testing in mist. On descent from the summit, the path can be lost and it is easy to be pulled in the wrong direction. Coming down too early from the path that contours around Creag an Lochain can lead to arriving at wet loose ground above some short cliff sections. To avoid these problems, make a note of the route up as you ascend, particularly timings on the contouring path and bearings on the ascent of Meall nan Con.




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