Munro · Argyll & Bute
Ben More
Ben More (966m) is a prominent mountain in the sea lochs and wooded hills of Argyll. With 966m of prominence it stands well apart from its neighbours, a genuinely isolated summit that demands a dedicated day. The summit, marked by a os rivet in centre of large stone shelter, gives views of the Firth of Clyde, the islands of Mull, Jura and Islay. The nearest town is Oban in Argyll and Bute.
Gaelic: “mountain, peak” · Pronunciation: ben
Quick facts
- Height
- 966m/ 3169ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 850 m
- Time
- 4.8 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NM525330
- Parking
- Sea
- Nearest city
- Oban
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 850m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross commercial forestry and Atlantic oak woodland. Higher up, the terrain changes to grass and heather ridges with rocky outcrops. Forest tracks provide access through lower slopes, with rougher ground above the treeline. The summit is marked by a os rivet in centre of large stone shelter.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Forest tracks provide access through lower slopes, with rougher ground above the treeline. The hill's high prominence means the approach involves significant re-ascent — there are no easy shortcuts from neighbouring peaks.
In winter
In winter, Ben More is a serious proposition. Maritime climate means snow is less persistent but rain and wind can be relentless. Ice forms quickly on north-facing crags. Daylight is limited in midwinter but marginally better this far south than in the Highlands.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 11m
- Edinburgh4h 1m
OS maps: OS Landranger 47, OS Landranger 48
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:53
- Sunset
- 20:51
- Civil dawn
- 05:10
- Civil dusk
- 21:34
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026