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Taken the same day as "Afternoon sunlight across Strath More" this panoramic photo shows Arkle outlined by the afternoon sun with the long ridge of Foinaven to the north (right). The photo was taken from a cairn at the north end of the summit plateau of Ben Hope where the plateau narrows quickly down to the sharp north ridge. Foinaven is infrequently visited in comparison to the munros of Sutherland and yet it is an exceptionally fine hill. It has recently been resurveyed as it has been marked on OS maps as 914m for some time (3000ft = 914.4m). Fortunately its height has been fixed below 3000ft by the survey and an influx of munroists has been avoided (ok I have to admit to possesion of a book nearly full of ticks myself!). An article giving a bit more information about the survey can be found at http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=902022007. 

The long undulating quartzite ridge of Foinaven gives a great walk for those who can bare the plod across the moors to its base. A particularly fine outing can be had traversing Foinaven and Arkle. Start from the Rhiconnich - Durness road south of Gualin House and head over the moors and up Ceann Garbh and over the remaining tops of Foinaven (Ganu Mor is the highest point). Beyond Cadha na Beucaich there is a sting in the tail with a 120m steep rise up to a final top. From there gentle slopes lead round and down to the Bealach Horn and then Bealach an Easaine Uaine and the ground begins to rise back up towards Arkle. The summit of Arkle lies at the north end of the ridge which on a good day gives a great situation and views. Arkle can be descended by a number of different routes, 

I've descended eastwards from the final prow of Arkle down to Loch nam Blar-loch via Creag nam Blar-loch before walking out on the stalkers path to the A838 at Stack Lodge, but this may be a somewhat masochistic route in comparison to a southerly route via the southern slopes of the hill and Lone to the road near Achfary. The traverse of Foinaven and Arkle would make a very long day and is definitely best appreciated over 2 days of good weather with a camp somewhere between Foinaven and Arkle. Don't underestimate the rough, remote terrain and navigational difficulties of the route. .

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