Ben Hope

SUTHERLAND AND CAITHNESS


Summary :	The most northerly of the Munros, Ben Hope is a fine isolated peak and a magnificent viewpoint. The ascent is short but steep and gives a grand introduction to the vast wilderness of the extreme North.
Terrain :	There is a path for most of the route, steep and rocky in places.
Grade :		Distance :	7.5km/4.5 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	4 – 6 hours
Start :	Car park in Strathmore	Grid ref :	NC462476
Map :	View an OS map showing this route	Ascent :	946m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open in Virtual Highlands Tell me more Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more
Munros climbed :	Ben Hope
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	None[Click for timetables]

1. There is a car park on the minor road up Strathmore around three kilometres south of the head of Loch Hope. The path begins by a large sign ('Ben Hope Path'); it heads directly uphill and soon climbs beside the southeast bank of the tumbling Allt a'Mhuiseil (note the path on the OS map is shown on the other side).

Photo © James Allan, licensed under Creative Commons.

2. As the stream heads north the ascent eases off briefly before leaving the main stream and heading east uphill once more. This section is even steeper - weaving a route to avoid the crags – but there are some attractive waterfalls on a tributary stream and great views up Strathmore to distract from the effort.

Photo © Nigel Brown, licensed under Creative Commons.

3. The path now emerges on the south ridge of Ben Hope, which is very broad at this point though well defined by the steep escarpment on its western side. The path continues clearly as an eroded route up the grassy slopes, soon ascending a steeper section before reaching a gentler middle section. Beyond this the route finally steepens once more to reach the small summit plateau.

Photo © Nigel Brown, licensed under Creative Commons.

4. The summit trig point stands amid a mass of boulders and is a truly wonderful viewpoint. The plateau ends abruptly, with the extremely steep and airy north ridge plummeting beyond with great walls of crags on each flank. At 927 metres there is no higher point nearer than Ben More Assynt far to the southwest, and the view is one of a vast desolate wilderness dotted with lochans and isolated peaks, whilst the sea beyond stretches away towards the Arctic.

Photo © Stuart Meek, licensed under Creative Commons.

5. The return is usually made the same way. It can be extended by continuing along the escarpment of Leitir Mheuiseil to the south and then descending beyond the fine waterfall above Alltnacaillich. If this route is followed the road leads back in a couple of kilometres to the start. Before leaving the area, be sure to see the view of Ben Hope from the north – the fine pyramid towering over Loch Hope is enough to discourage any attempt from this direction.

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