NC4750 : Crags on Ben Hope
Strenuous mountain walk; north ridge is technical

Ben Hope

927m Elevation
772m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NC4750 : Crags on Ben Hope

Richard Webb Photo source

Overview

Ben Hope (927 m) is Scotland’s most northerly Munro, rising above Strath More and Loch Hope in northern Sutherland. The usual ascent from Muiseal is a short but strenuous hillwalk on a steep path and broad southern ridge. The summit plateau has abrupt cliff edges. The north ridge is a separate, exposed scrambling route; its direct Bad Step is a rock climb.

Ben Hope

Ben Hope is Scotland’s most northerly Munro. DoBIH records its height as 927 m and prominence as 772 m. The name Beinn Hòb means “bay mountain”, with Gaelic and Norse elements.

Walking routes

The normal return walk starts at Muiseal in Strath More, NC462476. Follow the path beside the Allt a’ Mhuiseil, then the broad southern ridge to the trig point. Return the same way. Walkhighlands gives 7.5 km and 4–6 hours. Its longer southern return continues along Leitir Mheuiseil, descends beyond the waterfall above Alltnacaillich, and uses the road back to Muiseal.

The north-ridge circuit is a different undertaking: exposed scrambling, with a steep east-side bypass of the Bad Step. Climbing the Bad Step directly is technical rock climbing. UKHillwalking’s defined round returns by the standard southern path and is 10.9 km, with a published 4.5–5.5-hour estimate.

Ground and conditions

Wet, rocky and eroded paths lead to a stony summit plateau with abrupt cliffs. Navigation matters in cloud; avoid straying onto the north ridge on descent. Snow or ice requires winter equipment and skills and can obscure the path.

Local context

The documented Allt na Caillich geological section exposes Moine metamorphic rocks, Lewisianoid rocks and amphibolite associated with the Ben Hope Thrust. Dun Dornaigil Broch stands beside the road farther south. Foinaven (Ganu Mor), 911.05 m, and Arkle, 785.9 m, are separate mountains to the west, not quick extensions to this walk.

Access

There is no public transport to the Muiseal start. Arrange transport and supplies in advance. Highland Council lists public toilets in Tongue. Follow reasonable local guidance; the September 2026 NatureScot table provides no specific Ben Hope stalking information.

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Route planning notes

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

Ben Hope from Muiseal via the south ridge

From Muiseal (NC462476), climb beside the south-east bank of the Allt a’ Mhuiseil. The path leaves the burn, rises through a break in the crags and gains the broad southern ridge. Continue over steeper sections and a false top to the summit trig point. Return by the same path, taking care to find it in cloud. Walkhighlands gives 7.5 km and 4–6 hours for the return walk.

7.5 km Strenuous; steep mountain walk

South-ridge extension via Alltnacaillich

Ascend from Muiseal by the standard south-ridge path. On return, continue south along Leitir Mheuiseil beyond the usual turn down to Muiseal. Descend beyond the waterfall above Alltnacaillich to the Strath More road, then walk north along the road to the start. This southern extension is described by Walkhighlands. Plan the descent with a detailed map and use careful route-finding near crags.

Strenuous; rough ground and navigation

North-ridge circuit with Bad Step bypass

From Muiseal, take the usual path to the shelf, then traverse north below the west cliffs via Dubh-loch na Beinne. Turn uphill before Loch na Seilg to gain the north ridge. Bypass the Bad Step on its east side by a steep gully; the direct step is a rock climb. Continue along the exposed scrambling ridge to the summit. Descend the standard south-ridge path to Muiseal. UKHillwalking gives 10.9 km and 4.5–5.5 hours for this round. Experienced scramblers only.

10.9 km Exposed Grade 1 scramble; rock-climb avoided

Ben Hope south ridge in winter conditions

Use the Muiseal south-ridge route and return the same way. The underlying summer itinerary is 7.5 km, but snow can obscure its path and slow progress considerably. Steep icy slopes and cliff edges require winter navigation, suitable boots, crampons, an ice axe and practiced skills. Choose the line for the conditions and daylight available; the north ridge is not a routine winter descent.

7.5 km Winter mountaineering; conditions dependent
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

927m

3,041 ft

Prominence

772m

Coordinates

58.4131, -4.6079

NC477501

OS Map

9

Explorer: 447N 447S

At the Summit

A trig point and stone windshelter cairn stand on the small, bouldery summit plateau. The recorded summit feature is the trig point. The plateau ends abruptly above steep northern and western crags.

Terrain & Geology

The normal route follows a steep hill path beside the Allt a’ Mhuiseil then climbs grassy and rocky slopes on a broad southern ridge to a stony summit plateau. Wet and boggy patches occur lower down. The north ridge has pathless rough ground steep rock and exposed scrambling with cliffs beside it.

Ben Hope lies in the Moine metamorphic belt. At Allt na Caillich, south of the summit, the Ben Hope Thrust exposes metamorphosed sandstones (psammites), deformed Lewisianoid gneisses, amphibolite of the Ben Hope Sill and mica schist. The sill began as an igneous intrusion and was subsequently metamorphosed.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views include Loch Hope, Loch Eriboll, Ben Loyal, Foinaven and the loch-studded moorland of northern Sutherland. The north coast and, in very clear conditions, Orkney are visible. Keep back from the cliff edges when looking north.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Beinn Hòb is commonly translated as “bay mountain”, combining Gaelic beinn (mountain) with a Norse place-name element. It does not refer to hope in the English sense.

Historical Significance

Ben Hope is the most northerly Munro. Nearby in Strath More, Dun Dornaigil Broch is an Iron Age stone tower, probably built between 2,000 and 2,500 years ago.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Small roadside parking area at Muiseal in Strath More, NC462476, beside the signed “Way Up Ben Hope” path. Approach on the single-track road south of Loch Hope. Keep passing places and access to nearby buildings clear; parking capacity is limited.

Public Transport

There is no public transport to the Muiseal trailhead. Arrange travel to and from the start in advance; do not rely on finding a taxi there.

Nearby Facilities

Bring food, water and other supplies for the hill. Highland Council lists public toilets in Tongue; check its current listing before travelling. No trailhead toilet or community-centre facility is confirmed here.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The ascent path is steep, wet, rocky and eroded in places; take particular care descending.
  • The summit plateau drops abruptly into northern and western cliffs. In cloud, identify the southern return path carefully; do not follow the north ridge as a normal descent.
  • The north ridge involves considerable exposure and scrambling. Its direct Bad Step is a technical rock climb; the east-side bypass is still steep and requires confident route-finding.
  • Wind, rain, low cloud and cold can make this remote mountain substantially more demanding. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice can conceal the path and make steep slopes and cliff edges hazardous. Winter travel requires suitable boots, crampons, an ice axe and practiced skills, including navigation when the ground is obscured. Allow for shorter daylight and slower progress. Check mountain weather before setting out. NatureScot’s September 2026 table supplies no Ben Hope stalking information; follow reasonable local guidance and current notices.

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 Hope?

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

Are there other walkers around Ben Hope?

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 Hope search or of course create your own walk for Ben Hope

Can I organise a walk to Ben Hope?

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 Hope.

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 Hope?

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 Hope here

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

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Location

Ben Hope location map

Grid reference: NC477501

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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