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
- Prominence
- 836 m
- 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 ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
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
- 04:53
- Sunset
- 21:59
- Civil dawn
- 03:53
- Civil dusk
- 22:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 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 difficult is Ben More Assynt?
- Ben More Assynt carries a 5/5 (very challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 17km, 879m of ascent and a 6-9 hour day on the standard route. Terrain: The Traligill path is firm and well-built for the lower section.
- How prominent is Ben More Assynt?
- Ben More Assynt has 836m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb 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 should I 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?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like 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.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.