Munro · Far North
Ben More Assynt
Ben More Assynt (998m) is the highest mountain in Sutherland and one of only two Munros north of Ullapool (with Conival, its immediate western neighbour). The peak is a massive quartzite-capped ridge running north-south, looking out over an extraordinary landscape of glacial knock-and-lochan terrain — the strange "cnoc and lochan" country unique to Assynt. The two Munros (Conival and Ben More Assynt) are always climbed as a pair, with a fine connecting ridge that includes the airy "South Top" out-and-back.
Quick facts
- Height
- 998.9m/ 3277ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 879 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NC318201
- Parking
- NC252217
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 82km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen / moorland path 40% · Rocky ridge 35% · Summit rocks 25%
Start from the Inchnadamph Hotel car park on the A837. Walk east along the well-built path past the Inchnadamph caves and up the Traligill river. Climb the steep western flank of Conival to the summit, then traverse the narrow quartzite-block ridge east to Ben More Assynt. Most parties extend south along the ridge to the South Top for the airy out-and-back. Return reverses the line. Around 16km with 1100m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The Traligill path is firm and well-built for the lower section. The climb onto Conival is rough scree and quartzite blocks. The connecting ridge between Conival and Ben More Assynt is a notorious bouldery quartzite crest — slow, ankle-twisting and tiring. The summit of Ben More Assynt is a small flat platform on a quartzite outcrop. The South Top extension is a narrow ridge with sustained airy exposure.
In winter
A serious far-north winter day. Sutherland's short daylight in midwinter (under 7 hours) makes early starts essential. The quartzite blockfield connecting ridge becomes a serious winter scramble in snow and ice. The A837 corridor at Inchnadamph stays gritted in normal conditions but can drift in heavy snow. Phone signal absent on the hill. SAIS Northern Highlands applies as the closest formal forecast.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 55m
- Edinburgh5h 4m
OS maps: OS Landranger 15
Mobile signal: Very limited signal at Inchnadamph. No signal on approach or summit. Ben More Assynt is a remote, serious mountain.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:19
- Sunset
- 22:17
- Civil dawn
- 03:07
- Civil dusk
- 23:29
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Ben More Assynt.
Around Ben More Assynt on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ben More Assynt — common questions
- How hard is Ben More Assynt?
- Ben More Assynt is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 879m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Traligill path is firm and well-built for the lower section.
- Where do I park for Ben More Assynt?
- Standard parking is at NC252217 near Ullapool. 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 Ben More Assynt?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben More Assynt 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 Ben More Assynt?
- 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 Ben More Assynt?
- Very limited signal at Inchnadamph. No signal on approach or summit. Ben More Assynt is a remote, serious mountain.
- Is Ben More Assynt safe in winter?
- A serious far-north winter day. Sutherland's short daylight in midwinter (under 7 hours) makes early starts essential. The quartzite blockfield connecting ridge becomes a serious winter scramble in snow and ice. The A837 corridor at Inchnadamph stays gritted in normal conditions but can drift in heavy snow. Phone signal absent on the hill. SAIS Northern Highlands applies as the closest formal forecast.
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