Cul Mor

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Scotland
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Cul Mor

Page Type:	Mountain/Rock
Lat/Lon:	58.05817°N / 5.11913°W
Activities:	Hiking, Mountaineering
Season:	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Elevation:	2785 ft / 849 m
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Overview

Cul Mor is one of the many outstanding mountains in the Assynt region of Northern Scotland. These mountains, which are predominantly Torridonian Sandstone on a bed of Lewisian Gneiss, are isolated peaks that rise up dramatically from the array of scattered lochs and lochans that surround them and create a truly stunning part of the country.

The name Cul Mor (pronounced: kool moar) in Gaelic, means Big Back and will undoubtedly be in reference to it being the backdrop to one of the glens surrounding it. Cul Mor stands at a height of 2785ft/849m and is a twin summited peak. These two peaks are named Sron Garbh (849m) and Creag nan Calman (786m).

Cul Mor is steep flanked on its southern, northern and western sides. The easiest approach therefore is from Knockan (at the A835 road), on its eastern side, where there is a good stalkers path.

The main peak is an array of quartzite boulders, but to the west you'll find a grassy flat summit plateau. The views are spectacular. To the south west the peaks of Cul Beag and Stac Pollaidh dominate, with Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir behind. To the north, the lochans in Corrie Gorm draw your gaze to the beauty of the mountain Suilven, with the peaks of Canisp, Quinag and Ben More Assynt beyond.

Getting There

AIRPORTS

For arriving in Scotland and making your way to Cul Mor in Assynt the best airports to arrive in are;

Glasgow Airport

Inverness Airport

Edinburgh Airport

CAR

From Glasgow take the A82 road via Loch Lomond northbound direct to Inverness.

From Edinburgh take the M90 to Perth then take the A9 direct to Inverness.

From Inverness take the A9 northbound, joining the A835 at Tore roundabout, direct to Ullapool.

From Ullapool, follow the A835 northbound until reaching Knockan, just a couple of miles south of Elphin.

RAIL, BUS or FERRY

Scotrail Trains

Citylink B uses

Caledonian MacBrayne F erries

Traveline Scotland - A one stop shop for all of the above

Red Tape

There is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which incorporated the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code, which commenced on the 9th of February 2005, has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation.

The Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The following aspects should be taken into consideration when you are in the Scottish countryside;

Seek local advice in regard to deer stalking or grouse shooting activities

Ensure that all gates are closed behind you

During the lambing season (March to May) ensure that all dogs are kept on a lead

Please refrain from feeding or annoying any animals

Limited parking space is available at the start of many routes, please ensure that you are not blocking a road and/or entrance

Parking is provided at the start of some routes by the local farmers, it is polite to ask if you can use this facility
Try to refrain from crossing fields with animals and/or crops if an alternative route is available
Ensure that you treat the local environment with care by leaving it as you found it and by taking any litter home with you
Any camp fires should be carefully watched and only used away from dense forest areas

Accommodation

The best place to base yourself for climbing Cul Mor is in or around Ullapool or Lochinver. Below is a selection of available accommodation;

Hotels

Lodges & B&B's

Hostels & Campsites

Inchnadamph Hostel

Achmelvich Beach Hostel

Clachtoll Beach Campsite

Shore Caravan Site

Wild Camping

Wild camping is totally legal in Scotland and can be done in various locations in Glencoe. This is due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that was mentioned earlier. Here are some of the basic rules that should be adopted when wild camping;

The larger the group, the harder it is to keep impacts to a minimum. Keep groups small.

Camp as unobtrusively as possible.

Remember that noise travels from tents disturbing wildlife as well as humans.

Enjoy the freedom of wild camping without leaving a trace of your passage. Protect our country's outstanding scenery and wildlife as well as the wilderness experience.

Camping on the same spot harms vegetation. Aim to move frequently and do not stay for any longer than 3 nights in the same place.

Lighting fires poses a high fire risk on peaty soils and close to tinder dry grass. A high risk of fire can exist at any time of year, and not just in times of drought.

Watercourses and loch sides are important sites for birds and animals. Take extra care when camping near burns and lochs, and try to avoid camping immediately beside them.
Always find a spot at least 30 metres from fresh/running water when going to the toilet.
Bury excrement in a small hole (not under boulders). A trowel or ice axe can be used to lift a flap of turf.
Remove all litter (even other peoples!) Think ahead and only carry in what you are prepared to carry out.

Mountain/Weather Conditions

The weather conditions in Assynt can alter rapidly and you should ensure you are fully prepared for all weather eventualities. The following websites will provide invaluable information on the expected conditions for your planned trip;

Northwest Highlands Forecast

BBC Weather - Loch Assynt

Mountain Forecast - Cul Mor

Scottish Avalanche Information Service