Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 46 hikers
An isolated and huge whaleback of a Munro that can be seen rising above the surrounding moorland from nearby Inverness, Ben Wyvis is a mountain of great character. Hikes to Ben Wyvis place you in a unique position for gazing out across the wonderful Northwest Highlands.
An individual, isolated yet accessible peak that rewards with fine views
Standing proud on the northern edge of the territory once claimed by clan Munro, Ben Wyvis’ surroundings were the site of the Battle of Bealach nam Broig, which took place between rival clans. The exact date of the battle is debated.
Walking routes to Ben Wyvis are long, committing but ultimately rewarding. The most popular approach begins from the A835 road to Ullapool, taking in the subsidiary top of An Cabar en route. If you’re after a wilder approach from the north, you can start from the western environs of Loch Glass and ascend via Tom a’ Choinich.
If you’re feeling particularly hardy, pathless ascents of Ben Wyvis’ steep, heather clad slopes may be possible. Unseen by most, the wild eastern flanks of the massif contain two grand corries. There is little by way of a path on this side.
From the mossy summit ridge, a gloriously vast swathe of the Northern Highlands can be seen, though its isolated position means that many of the peaks are somewhat distant. The distinctive mountains of Torridon are easily identifiable, as is the coned summit of Sgurr Mor amongst the Fannaichs.
Inverness, with its many amenities, is within easy driving distance of the mountain, whilst Dingwall also has a host of accommodation options.
In winter conditions, Ben Wyvis is a serious mountain that can catch some truly challenging conditions even for experienced mountaineers.
The Ben Wyvis NNR has a car park and a good path to follow up the shoulder of this Munro. Once upon its ridge, the walk to the summit is exposed and visibility can be poor in bad weather. The summit is marked by a trig point surrounded by a shelter cairn.
October 7, 2021
Ben Wyvis, an isolated Munro mountain in the north of Scotland. We followed the main path up from the west which leads you through the Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve.
June 28, 2021
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