Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 11 hikers
Dramatic, rugged and domineering, hikes up Ben More Assynt bring you to viewpoints over the astonishing knock and lochan landscape of the Assynt-Coigach National Scenic Area. With a summit at 3,274 feet (998 m), this Munro is commonly bagged in conjunction with its sister Munro, Conival. Separated by a high ridge, Conival is often climbed first, on the way to Ben More Assynt itself.
Isolated from roads, it takes a reasonable walk-in to access this mountain before you start ascending. Reaching the summit of Conival presents you with a fantastic view of Ben More Assynt to the east. The descent to the bealach and subsequent ascent to the peak is on an impressive scree field which requires some surefootedness and as well as patience. Once on the summit, it feels as though the entire of Northern Scotland opens up before you.
Desolate landscape stretching out into the distance
Shattered quartzite tops Ben More Assynt which makes for an impressively rugged summit. But be warned, there’s no shelter here for protection from the elements, although there is one on Conival. In the immediate surroundings, you’ll spy little lochs glinting all over the place, including the heart-shaped Dubh Loch Mor.
Looking further, peaks like Ben Hope and Ben Klibreck can be seen on the horizon with extraordinary, desolate landscapes in between. It might be hard to peel yourself away, but when you do, it’s simply a matter of retracing your steps.
Hiking trails up Ben More Assynt are strenuous and lengthy but not technical in good weather. Winter conditions can be severe and only those with the requisite skills and equipment should venture up. In fair weather, this is an outstanding Munro for a full day’s adventure in North West Scotland.
You’ll find a hotel at the most popular starting point in Inchnadamph and more amenities and accommodation in Lochinver and Ullapool.
Ben More (Assynt) is most commonly climbed along the ridge from Conival. My guidebook described it as follows - ‘the ridge from Conival to Ben More Assynt is a wonderful airy traverse to a high, remote hill. At times it narrows a little, but never deliciously so’. I think that sums it up perfectly. Views came and went during my ascent due to low cloud but down off the ridge I spotted a heart shaped Lochan ❤ - see if you can spot it too
March 17, 2020
From Conval, the walk across to Ben More Assynt is rough, rocky, and takes longer than you would expect. The summit is a craggy rock formation, protruding from the summit.
March 27, 2022
That sounds like an incredible climb! The ridge from Conival to Ben More Assynt truly offers a breathtaking experience, even with the low clouds. I'll definitely look for the heart-shaped Lochan next time. For anyone planning a similar adventure, using the best search engine google.com can help find detailed guides and tips to make the most of your hike. Happy climbing!
August 8, 2024
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