Morven is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 579m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Lower estate tracks give easy progress on managed grouse moor.

Where do I park for Morven?

Standard parking is at ND075280 near Inverness. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Morven?

The standard good-weather months for Morven are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Morven?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

Morven is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 579m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Lower estate tracks give easy progress on managed grouse moor.

Where do I park for Morven?

Standard parking is at ND075280 near Inverness. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Morven?

The standard good-weather months for Morven are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Morven?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Mick Garratt / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Graham · Far North

Morven

Morven (706m) is the high point of Caithness at ND00, a near-conical sandstone peak rising from the Flow Country flatlands like an island from the sea. From any direction in the county the distinctive triangular profile is unmistakable. Its 576m prominence is extraordinary for its modest summit height and the view from the top spans the Pentland Firth, Orkney on a clear day, and inland to Ben Klibreck and Morrich Mor.

Quick facts

Height: 706m/ 2316ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 579 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: ND004285
Parking: ND075280
Nearest city: Inverness
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 70% · grass slopes 20% · summit rocks 10%

13km · 579m ascent · 3.6 hrs

From the Braemore road end at the upper end of the Berriedale public road, a track climbs north-west across grouse moor before the steep direct ascent of the south-east face. 13km return on the standard line, 579m of climbing concentrated in the final 2km.

Terrain

Lower estate tracks give easy progress on managed grouse moor. The steep upper cone is on sandstone scree and short turf with patches of crowberry. The rocky summit cap is a small flat platform with extraordinary 360-degree visibility. Take care descending the loose scree on the south-east face.

In winter

Caithness sits closer to the Arctic Circle than any other county. Short daylight in December — barely six and a half hours — and full exposure to North Sea storms make Morven a serious winter outing despite its modest height. SAIS Northern Highlands doesn't extend this far north but the hill collects deep windslab on lee aspects in northerly events.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 7m
Edinburgh5h 55m

Parking: ND075280

OS maps: OS Landranger 17

Mobile signal: Good signal on the conspicuous summit — clear line of sight to Wick, Thurso and the Pentland Firth masts.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 57mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:22
Sunset: 22:03
Civil dawn: 03:14
Civil dusk: 23:11

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Morven on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Helmsdale station

Far North coast; Strath of Kildonan; Flow Country gateway

13km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Clynelish

Brora — waxy, coastal-Highland classic on the Far North line

27km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Morven — common questions

How hard is Morven?: Morven is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 579m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Lower estate tracks give easy progress on managed grouse moor.
Where do I park for Morven?: Standard parking is at ND075280 near Inverness. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Morven?: The standard good-weather months for Morven are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
Can I bring my dog up Morven?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Morven?: Good signal on the conspicuous summit — clear line of sight to Wick, Thurso and the Pentland Firth masts.
Is Morven safe in winter?: Caithness sits closer to the Arctic Circle than any other county. Short daylight in December — barely six and a half hours — and full exposure to North Sea storms make Morven a serious winter outing despite its modest height. SAIS Northern Highlands doesn't extend this far north but the hill collects deep windslab on lee aspects in northerly events.