Suilven

Suilven
Suilven
Sùilebheinn
	Marilyn
Coordinates	58°06′54″N 5°08′13″W / 58.115°N 5.13707°W
Naming
English translation	Pillar mountain
Language of name	Old Norse + Scottish Gaelic
Pronunciation	Scottish Gaelic: [ˈsuləvjeɲ]
Geography
	Suilven Inverpolly, Scotland
OS grid	NC153183
Topo map	OS Landranger 15

Suilven is a

Scottish Gaelic

), lies at the northwest end of this ridge. There are two other summits: Meall Meadhonach ("Middle Round Hill") at the central point of the ridge is 723 metres (2,372 ft) high, whilst Meall Beag ("Little Round Hill") lies at the southeastern end.

Name

The name is Viking in origin, coming from the Old Norse súla fjell, meaning ‘pillar mountain’. ^[1]

Geology

nunataks, but cosmogenic isotope dating of mountaintop erratics has since disproved this hypothesis. The flow of ice created the distinctive narrow teardrop plan, while carving and scouring the vertical sides of the mountain.^[2]

Management

In 2005 Glencanisp estate, of which Suilven forms part and the neighbouring Drumrunie estate, were bought by the local community with the help of the John Muir Trust. The Assynt Foundation aims to create local employment and safeguard the natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of the community and future generations, and for the enjoyment of the wider public.

Ascent

The most common route of ascent starts from the end of a public road that leads to Glencanisp Lodge, about 1.5 kilometres (1 mi) from

summit

itself is broad and grassy, though it is almost totally surrounded by vertical cliffs.

Another route starts from Inverkirkaig, some four kilometres (2+1⁄2 mi) south of Lochinver: this route reaches the bealach from the south, passing Kirkaig Falls on the way. One may also start from Elphin, on the eastern side. It is possible to reach the ridge without first climbing to Bealach Mòr from this direction, though very exposed scrambling is required, particularly between Meall Meadhonach and Meall Beag.

All these routes involve a round trip of around 25 kilometres (15+1⁄2 mi) over rough terrain.

In popular culture

In the 2017 film Edie, a widowed pensioner climbs Suilven to complete a long-held ambition.^[3]

Stac Pollaidh and Suilven star in an episode of Disney+ Star Wars show Ahsoka.^[4]

References

^ "Suilven". Bella Caledonia. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
^ Butler, Rob. "An Essay on the Geology of NW Scotland" (PDF). Leeds University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
^ "EDIE Screens first in the village of Lochinver" Simon Hunter Official website. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
^ "PICTURES: Star Wars hits the Scottish Highlands after Stac Pollaidh and Suilven star in Disney+ show Ahsoka". 20 September 2023.

External links

Computer generated summit panoramas North South index
Assynt Foundation

[1] "Suilven". Bella Caledonia. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2024.

[2] Butler, Rob. "An Essay on the Geology of NW Scotland" (PDF). Leeds University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2014.

[3] "EDIE Screens first in the village of Lochinver" Simon Hunter Official website. Retrieved 28 April 2020.

[4] "PICTURES: Star Wars hits the Scottish Highlands after Stac Pollaidh and Suilven star in Disney+ show Ahsoka". 20 September 2023.

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