Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Ben Horn
The name means 'peak' in Gaelic. At 520m near the Dornoch Firth in Easter Ross, this is the kind of hill that experienced walkers love — not famous, not crowded, but a proper summit with proper views.
Gaelic: “mountain, peak” · Pronunciation: ben
Quick facts
- Height
- 520m/ 1706ft
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5Moderate
- Grid ref
- NC 80728 06336
Download GPX route file
Standard route
Standard route
A steady ascent via rough paths through the emptiest landscape in mainland Britain to the 520m summit. The walking is straightforward with clear views opening up as you gain height. Allow 2-4 hours.
Terrain
Remote northwest Highland terrain with minimal paths. Expect peat, rock and heather in a landscape that has changed little in millennia.
In winter
Northwest Highland winters are dominated by wind rather than deep snow. The maritime climate brings frequent freeze-thaw. Navigation in low cloud is the primary challenge.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 39m
- Edinburgh6h 48m
OS maps: OS Landranger 17, OS Explorer 441E
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:22
- Sunset
- 21:05
- Civil dawn
- 04:33
- Civil dusk
- 21:53
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026