- First view of Ben Hope
After a 5 hour drive from Aberdeenshire, much of it on single track roads, we all arrived at the start point, a couple of kilometres north of Alltnacaillach on the 'Road to Desolation'.
The route up was pointed out by a very helpful sign – 'Way up Ben Hope'. We went up what was initially half stream, half path, but soon were on firmer ground and gained enough height to enjoy expansive views down Strath More.
- Strath More
Eventually we reached the broad terraced slopes that lead up to the summit. Each of a series of cairns made me think that I was nearing the summit as I approached the cairn on the horizon, but as I got closer I realised that there was still plenty of hill left! Perhaps that's why it's called Ben Hope – its false tops give you false hope....
- On the way up
Higher up, there were great views alongside the mountain, towards and beyond Loch Hope. However the mountain itself blocked views further north and east, so I was keen to press onward and higher, for even greater vistas.
- Loch Hope
Finally, both a cairn and a trig point came in sight – not a false hope this time! I increased my speed to reach the top so that I could spend some time alone there before I was joined by other walkers who were not far behind.
- The summit, not a False Hope!
There were outstanding views in all directions, most notably towards Ben Loyal behind several lochs, and towards the Kyle of Tongue, the Rabbit Islands and the cold North Sea beyond.
- Panorama from Ben Hope
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4BtLy5-0I4[/youtube]
- Ben Loyal and Kyle of Tongue
I tried to spot Tongue Youth Hostel, where we would be staying that night, at the end of the causeway over the Kyle, but couldn't quite make it out.
- Kyle of Tongue
Ben Klibreck, with its whale back outline, was clearly visible – we hoped to be tackling that one sometime over the weekend.
- Ben Klibreck
We admired the 360 degrees of views and took almost as many photographs, until we were getting too cold to linger on the windy summit any longer, then reluctantly descended back to the cars.
An excellent walk, where many false hopes lead to very real Ben Hope!
No views from the top either so nice to see them. 
