Highlight • Natural Monument
Ben Hope Summit
Hiking
5.0
(32)
Running
5.0
(1)
Despite its isolated nature, hiking to the summit of Ben Hope isn’t necessarily a lengthy walk thanks to the car park a little south of Loch Hope. There’s little gradual terrain though on this hike and you’ll be ascending on steep ground until you reach the trig point at the thankfully flat top.
An enduring climbs with phenomenal views
Hikes up Ben Hope might be steep but you can stop at any point to admire the fantastic scenery. Walking up from the south west, craggy terrain towers above Strath More and the winding Strathmore River.
Reaching the summit, the landscape reveals its full, unadulterated glory and you’ll see why others make significant journeys to reach this Munro. Rising out of knock and lochan terrain, on a clear day you can see the Orkney Islands, and enjoy immense vistas across the sea. The northern ridge drops sharply away from the summit, providing a magnificent sight but also revealing how carefully you should tread in poor visibility. Looking south, the remote wilderness is breathtaking with hardly a sign of human habitation in sight.
Winter conditions can bring snow and ice making Ben Hope a mountain for experienced winter mountaineers only in such conditions. Mild winters are more welcoming although strong winds can be dangerous. Lacking much in the way of technicality, hiking Ben Hope is a great adventure for most hillwalkers with a desire for height and phenomenal views.
Tips
December 13, 2019
Hiking
September 14, 2023
Running
The normal route follows the mountain path from the road in the south. You can loop around the northern ridge, but the ground is more serious.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ben Hope Summit
4.6
(63)
715
hikers
7.60km
04:31
890m
890m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
11.7km
03:39
900m
900m
Hike the Ben Hope North Ridge Loop, Scotland's most northerly Munro, offering challenging terrain and panoramic views over 7.3 miles.
70
runners
7.61km
01:43
890m
890m
Embark on a demanding jogging adventure up Ben Hope from Alltnacaillich, Scotland's most northerly Munro. This difficult route covers 4.7 miles (7.6 km) with a substantial elevation gain of 2920 feet (890 metres), typically taking around 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete. As you ascend, the terrain transitions from grassy slopes to steep, potentially craggy sections, offering exceptional panoramic views over Assynt, the Far North, and the Northern Highlands, with the possibility of seeing the Orkney Islands on a clear day. You will also pass by large sea lochs like Loch Loyal and Loch Hope, surrounded by rolling hills and wetlands.
This challenging run demands very good fitness and sure-footedness, so make sure you are well-prepared with sturdy footwear. The ascent is a direct climb from the car park, starting from the road at Alltnacaillich. Be aware that some sections can be wet and boggy, particularly on older roads in the vicinity of Kyle of Tongue. Given the significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, this trail is best suited for experienced joggers looking for a serious mountain challenge.
Ben Hope holds a special place as Scotland's most northerly Munro, a mountain exceeding 3,000 feet (914 metres) in height. Its isolated location contributes to the wild and expansive feel of the landscape, making it a truly unique experience. The summit plateau provides an expansive vantage point to appreciate the dramatic meeting of prominent mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, a defining feature of this remote Scottish region.
Details
Informations
Elevation 910 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Tuesday 21 July
18°C
13°C
41 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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