31/01/10 - A Ski Tour Of Arkle

At the end of January I managed to get in a wee ski on Arkle, Northern Sutherland. Route and photos follow:

The route - The start is at the A838 just north of Achfary. A private road then track lead to Lone where paths split and the northerly one heads north-east towards the Bealach Horn. At around 200m fairly gentle slopes lead north towards Arkle's southern top (758m). Slopes either side of the stream held progressively more snow as height was gained giving good ground for a ski ascent. From the southern top a fairly steep and icey descent lead down to the col at the head of Coir Uairidh (skis carried for this descent and left at the col). To the west and then north an interesting ridge with a touch of easy scrambling leads round to the main summit of Arkle. The descent from the col was icey and wind scoured initially then on powdery windslab and then just thin powder on a firm base as the gully deepened lower down. It gave an excellent ski to 400m (300m vertical drop). Probably the top section would be black run steepness but becoming more like a red then blue lower down. After a carry of the skis across the lower moor there was just enough snow to ski back along the track all the way to the car (though I carried in in the morning).

Welcome to Arkle - a morning snow shower.

The abominable photographer on the ascent of Arkle's southern flank.

The snowfields south of Arkle's southern top at around 650m. The southern slopes would give a pleasant ski descent as well but without the interest of Coir Uairidh.

The view south with Meallan a' Chuil in the centre, Beinn Leoid to the right with Ben More Assynt & Conival rising above and behind on the right.


Foinaven from Arkle's southern top.

The route of descent taken in very strong winds with snow and spindrift whipping around. It was difficult to stand on this section, certainly not helped by skis acting as a sail on my back!

Snow showers approaching from the north-west.

.....and departing to the south-east from Arkle's main summit.

South down the summit ridge with Loch Stack glistening in the sun.

Great skiing on the descent of Coir Uairidh.


Arkle in the mid afternoon from the road at Loch Stack.


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Jason Bonniface, 10/03/2010
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