Canisp Group Walks | Join a Walk
Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!
Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Canisp together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.
Elevation
847m
2,779 ft
Prominence
689m
Coordinates
58.1209, -5.0529
NC202187
OS Map
15
Explorer: 442E
The summit is marked by a prominent trig point and a rugged plateau, with an impressive panoramic view that could make even the most stoic mountain goat stop for a selfie.
Canisp is primarily composed of Lewisian gneiss, which is ancient and highly metamorphosed rock, dating back over 2.5 billion years. This rugged geology is beautifully exposed in many areas, creating striking cliff faces and craggy outcrops.
From the summit, hikers can enjoy views of the dramatic peaks of Suilven and Cul Mor, as well as the shimmering waters of the surrounding lochs.
The name 'Canisp' is believed to derive from the Gaelic 'Canaish', which translates to 'the hill of the steep place'.
Canisp is not only a popular hiking destination but also features prominently in local folklore and is revered by those who treasure the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
This is the most popular and direct route to the summit of Canisp, starting from the A837 road near Loch Awe. The path begins on relatively easy terrain with a gradual ascent across boggy ground before steepening as you approach the south ridge. From here, it's a straightforward climb with spectacular views of Suilven and the surrounding Assynt peaks.
A slightly longer but quieter route starting from Lochinver, this route takes you through rugged moorland and around Loch na Gainimh before ascending Canisp's eastern flank. The terrain is challenging but offers a peaceful experience and panoramic views of the Assynt wilderness.
This circular route combines the classic South Ridge ascent with a descent along the northwestern slopes. Starting from the A837 near Loch Awe, you climb to the summit via the south ridge before descending towards Loch na Gainimh and looping back to your starting point. A varied and scenic option for experienced walkers.
This less frequented traverse starts from the minor road near Loch na Gainimh. The route ascends Canisp's northwestern slopes via a mix of grassy terrain and rocky outcrops. After reaching the summit, you retrace your steps or descend via the south ridge for a longer adventure.
Starting from the Knockan Crag Visitor Centre, this is a demanding and lengthy route for seasoned hikers. The route involves traversing open moorland and pathless terrain before joining the south ridge for the final ascent. It provides a full day of exploration with stunning geological features and expansive views.
The nearest parking is at the Inverlael car park located at NC 206 148, with ample spaces and easy access to trails.
Public transport options are limited; nearest bus connections may go to Ullapool, from which a taxi service can be used to reach the trailhead.
There are no facilities at the summit, but Ullapool has plenty of options including cafés and public toilets.
Join friendly walkers exploring Canisp and surrounding area
More walks starting close to this area
Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!
Some common questions about the hills answered
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Canisp through the maps
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Canisp search or of course create your own walk for Canisp
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Canisp.
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Canisp here
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Grid Ref: NC202187
Quinag - Spidean Coinich
764m
Suilven
731m
Cul Mor
850m
Quinag - Sail Gharbh
809m
Quinag - Sail Ghorm [Sail Gorm]
776m
+ 5 more nearby hills
Find more walking companions in the area
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!