NG4750 : The Trotternish Ridge, Skye

Ben Dearg

552m Elevation
221m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NG4750 : The Trotternish Ridge, Skye

Jim Barton Photo source

Explore routes near Ben Dearg

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

4.9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

16 km ~6h Hard

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Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km ~57m Easy

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Dun Mhulan Broch Quick Walk

5.2 km ~1h Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

North Glen Nevis Approach

This route starts from the North Glen Nevis, leading you through a mix of woodland and open moorland before the final ascent.

10.5 km ~5 hours Moderate

South Side Route

A steeper alternative that takes you up the southern flank, which offers rewarding views as you ascend.

8 km ~4.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

552m

1,811 ft

Prominence

221m

Coordinates

57.4737, -6.2077

NG478504

OS Map

23

Explorer: 408 409

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent cairn, which has clearly seen its fair share of wind and rain, and a small trig point, offering a classic photo opportunity for those 'I conquered Ben Dearg' selfies.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with peat bogs in certain areas; it's advisable to wear sturdy boots to navigate the uneven ground.

Ben Dearg is primarily composed of gneiss, a metamorphic rock that has endured considerable pressure and temperature over millions of years. This resilient geology contributes to the mountain's rugged appearance and forms part of the ancient Lewisian complex.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can feast your eyes on the spectacular vistas of Loch Nevis, the rugged peaks of the Glencoe area, and even the Isle of Muck on clear days.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ben Dearg' translates to 'Red Mountain' in Gaelic, likely referring to the distinctive reddish hue of its rocky slopes in certain light conditions.

Historical Significance

Ben Dearg is a significant landmark in the Scottish Highlands and has been a popular destination for climbers and hikers since the 19th century.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at North Glen Nevis, which is a short drive from Fort William. Spaces can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons, so arriving early is wise.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Fort William to North Glen Nevis, providing a convenient way to access the area without relying on a vehicle.

Nearby Facilities

Fort William offers a range of cafes, shops, and public toilets. It's advisable to refresh and refuel here before heading up into the mountains.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for sudden weather changes; ensure you're well-prepared and check forecasts beforehand. Some areas may also be slippery due to loose rocks or wet ground.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Dearg?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Dearg through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Dearg?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Dearg search or of course create your own walk for Ben Dearg

Can I organise a walk to Ben Dearg?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben Dearg.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Dearg?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ben Dearg here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NG478504

View on OpenStreetMap

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