Ben More Assynt and Conival

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Summary

The only Munros in Assynt, these two rocky mountains are connected by a fine ridge. Together they give a very rough but rewarding ascent combined with the amazing views characteristic of all the Assynt peaks.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.85714/5

Rating

Terrain

Good narrow path up the glen, then some boggy and eroded ground on the ascent to the ridge. Higher up the mountains are extremely rocky and largely scree-covered making for very rough going.

Public Transport

Limited bus to start.

Start

Car park by Inchnadamph hotel. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.25km / 10.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8.5 - 10 hours
Ascent: 1077m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC251216

Summits Climbed

Munro: Conival
Munro: Ben More Assynt

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (59)

Stage 1

Park at the public car park in front of the Inchnadamph Hotel. The walk begins a short distance further north along the road; follow the A837 over its bridge over the River Trallgill and then turn right onto the private road to Inchnadamph Lodge. This leads past the independent hostel and field centre and heads through a gate. Ignore a track off left, instead continuing until the glen track crosses the Allt Poll an Droighinn on a concrete bridge. On the far side you can shortcut a zig-zag by heading straight ahead and rejoining the main track.

Stage 2

Further on is the isolated white-washed holiday cottage of Glenbain. Continue past Glenbain up the glen, now on a good path, passing to the right of a plantation after about another kilometre. Shortly after this the path forks; the signed right branch heads for the Traligill caves, popular with pot-holers, but to continue our route towards the mountains keep left. Keep on the north side of Gleann Dubh, which becomes narrower and steep sided.

Stage 3

After 4.5km or so from the start the climb begins in earnest. A boggy section is followed by a badly eroded path climbing up the north side of the Allt a' Choinne Mhill. Much higher up the gradient relents into a shallow grassy corrie. The path soon crosses the burn and then climbs up towards the base of a band of quartzite crags. These are most easily ascended as a rocky staircase not far to the right of the burn. There are a few cairns that may help mark the route.

Stage 4

Above the line of crags an upper corrie is reached, with the bealach between Conival and Beinn an Fhurain beyond. Now the route begins to head up the north ridge of Conival on a stony path; there are a fine views looking over into Coire a'Mhadaidh, its lochan overshadowed by the impressive quartzite buttresses of Na Tuadhan.

Stage 5

Higher up is a better defined section of ridge, grassy going giving relief from the stones for a while. Beyond this the ridge climbs again, with some fine crags on the SW side, eventually reaching the summit cairn of Conival at a junction of three ridges. The cairn takes the form of a wind-shelter and has grand views looking back along Loch Assynt.

Stage 6

The east ridge leads the eye across masses of scree slopes to Ben More Assynt; traversing the ridge is very rough going and more time consuming than you might expect. Head east and then descend traces of a path down an initial slope of crags and boulders. There is then a stony arête before another descent down to the bealach. Beyond this the ridge climbs again with more stones and scree, climbing up to point 974 before descending steeply.

Stage 7

Climb more stones for the final ascent to the summit of Ben More Assynt. At 998m this is the highest mountain over a vast area of Northern Scotland as well as being the second Munro of the day; the view is of a majestic, desolate, sweeping bare wilderness in all directions.

Stage 8

The ridge leading south from Ben More Assynt is said to be a challenging scramble, but would lead many miles from the nearest road. Instead, retrace your outward route back along the rocky ridge to Conival.

Stage 9

From the summit of Conival, turn north to continue retracing your steps the way you came, enjoying the superb views over Loch Assynt. Keep heading back all the way to the bealach and down the glen to return to Inchnadamph.

Route Profile

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