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


main route outline

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.

alternatives
I can't really recommend any alternatives, since the main route described is fairly direct and the easiest route I have found. However, below are the two other routes I have tried.

Over Creag an Lochain
Start as in the main route, cross the bridge and through the gate in the fence-line. Now aim south-east, directly for the col between Cnoc Sgriodain and Creag an Lochain. This is a slog over tussocky ground. From the col, turn east and pick up a developing path to climb up Creag an Lochain. The path continues north from this minor top along the crest, meeting the contouring path at the next bealach. Continue to the summit as described in the main route.

Total distance : 15km (9m), total ascent : 1050m (3,450ft)


From Crask Inn
I'd been up Ben Klibreck from Vagastie a couple of times, then decided to try and find a different more enjoyable route. This wasn't it ! Just south of Crask Inn, a path heads east following the north bank of the River Tirry along Strath a'Chraisg. Continue along the path for 6km to Bealach Easach. I tried biking along this, but after persisting for a while, gave up and left my bike by the Allt Domhain. At the bealach, leave the path, cross the burn and head directly uphill on loose grass and heather clad steep ground. After the gradient easies, slog up the southern arm of Carn an Fheidh to Creag an Lochain and follow the route above to the summit on Meall nan Con. Return by the same route or following the Allt Domhain.

Total distance : 21km (13m), total ascent : 1000m (3,300ft)