NC8006 : Ben Horn and Brora, Sutherland

Ben Horn

520m Elevation
354m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NC8006 : Ben Horn and Brora, Sutherland

Andrew Tryon Photo source

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Route planning notes

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Descent from the South

A straightforward ascent that weaves through scenic glades, ideal for those seeking a leisurely trek without too much fuss.

8 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

520m

1,706 ft

Prominence

354m

Coordinates

58.0302, -4.0214

NC807063

OS Map

17

Explorer: 441E

At the Summit

The summit of Ben Horn features a robust cairn, proudly standing as a testament to the countless hikers who have summited. The panoramic views from here are nothing short of enchanting.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with areas of heather providing vibrant splashes of colour.

Ben Horn is primarily composed of granite, which provides a rugged and resilient terrain typical of Scottish mountains. The shifting landscape has led to fascinating boulder fields and craggy outcrops that make you feel as though you've stepped into a natural fortress.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can witness the sprawling expanse of Loch Awe, along with the enchanting islands dotting its surface and the distant peaks of the Argyll mountains.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ben Horn' is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Beinn Horn,' meaning 'mountain of the horn,' a nod to the mountain's distinctive profile.

Historical Significance

Ben Horn holds cultural significance as part of the ancient landscape that shaped the lives of the local communities, being a revered spot for both adventurers and locals alike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the start of the south route, which can accommodate several vehicles. Arrive early, as space fills up quickly during weekends!

Public Transport

Buses operate to nearby villages, and the closest stop is around 10 km away from the starting point, requiring a short taxi ride or a long walk.

Nearby Facilities

Taynuilt offers a small selection of cafes, toilets, and shops for stocking up on provisions before your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Occasional loose rocks on steeper sections, sudden weather changes, and fog can make navigation tricky. Always be prepared for the infamous Scottish mizzle!

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 Horn?

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

Are there other walkers around Ben Horn?

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

Can I organise a walk to Ben Horn?

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 Horn.

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 Horn?

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 Horn 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: NC807063

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