Ben Hope Walk

The Ben Hope Walk may have you gasping for air at points, but the wild scenery viewed from the summit will have you thanking your body for enduring the pain from moments before. The route starts super steep before reaching a rocky, more technical section later on! Come prepared with proper footwear and extra layers to block out the wind at the top. We advise saving this walk for a clear day because nothing hurts more than working hard to get to the summit to only arrive at a blanket of obstructed, cloudy views. Bring bug spray as well! Some users have reported a lot of insects on the trail. Dogs can also use this trail but do keep them on a leash.

While the Ben Hope Walk may be physically challenging, the adventure of getting there intertwined with the views at the top makes for a fantastic, worthwhile journey. Revel in lochans, remote peaks, with the sea punctuating the scenery from beyond!

Setting out from the car park, you’ll follow a helpful sign indicating “Way Up Ben Hope,” which wastes no time in taking you straight uphill. You’ll traverse rocky ground when the path hugs the southeast bank of Allt a’Mhuiseil. Take care here! As you leave the stream, the climb levels ever-so-slightly, giving you a chance to catch your breath quickly. But not long after, the path heads east and forces you to tackle another steep ascent. Look out for stunning vistas up Strathmore.

Continue until you reach a grassy area before heading upward (yes, uphill, again, we know) toward Ben Hope’s southern ridge. Enjoy the gentle slope before the elevation intensifies. Then, follow the switchbacks to the right to ascend before facing the escarpment again. The path follows an eroded route up the grassy slope before forcing you to climb another steep section when you’re near the western escarpment. And when you think you’ve made it, you’ll soon realize you’ve only reached the false summit.

And then the route intensifies yet again, taking you to a small summit, where a cairn awaits. Pause to bask in the wild views bleeding into the horizon! This is a small plateau, so take caution and don’t get too close to the edge, especially if you’re with your pup—keep them on a tight leash.

After soaking in the desolate scenery, pat yourself on the back for bagging a Munro, and turn around to head back to the car park the same way you came, as this is an out-and-back route.

Trail Highlights

Ben Hope

Ben Hope stands tall at 3041ft and steals the show in the north, as it’s the most northerly Munro. Its far-out location equates to astonishing wild views of soaring peaks, lochans, with the sea off in the distance. Ben Hope looks like a wide triangle from afar, granting fantastic from both its summit and from the ground!