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Cul Mor is one of the many outstanding mountains in the Coigach/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.
AIRPORTS
For arriving in Scotland and making your way to Cul Mor in Assynt the best airports to arrive in are;
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
Traveline Scotland - A one stop shop for all of the above
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
The following aspects should be taken into consideration when you are in the Scottish countryside;
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
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 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;
Scottish Avalanche Information Service
The Corbetts and Other Scottish Hills by Rob Milne & Hamish Brown
The Northwest Highlands by Dave Broadhead, Alec Keith & Ted Maden
Hostile Habitats by Mark Wrightham & Nick Kempe
Scottish Hill Names by Peter Drummond
OS Landranger Map 15 - Loch Assynt
OS Explorer Map 439 - Coigach & Summer Isles
Harvey Maps - Assynt & Coigach
Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland
The Scottish Mountaineering Club