NH4668 : Aerobatics Display on Ben Wyvis, Scottish Highlands
Strenuous mountain walk via An Cabar

Ben Wyvis - Glas Leathad Mor

1,046m Elevation
691m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NH4668 : Aerobatics Display on Ben Wyvis, Scottish Highlands

Andrew Tryon Photo source

Overview

Ben Wyvis is an isolated Munro in Easter Ross whose highest summit, Glas Leathad Mòr, reaches 1046 m. The usual return walk starts at Garbat beside the A835 and climbs via An Cabar. A broad, exposed ridge supports fragile moss habitat and breeding mountain birds.

Ben Wyvis - Glas Leathad Mor

Overview

Glas Leathad Mòr, 1046 m, is the highest summit of Ben Wyvis in Easter Ross. A trig point marks the top. Its broad ridge rises above surrounding moorland, with extensive Highland views in clear weather.

The Garbat return walk

Start at the Ben Wyvis car park beside the A835, NH410671. Cross the footbridge and follow the burn-side path through the forest, crossing the forestry track. The ascent steepens on the built path to An Cabar (946 m). Continue along the ridge to Glas Leathad Mòr, then return by the same route. Allow 4.5–5.5 hours for the 14 km walk, with 935 m of ascent.

Mountain conditions

The climb to An Cabar is steep, and the upper ridge is exposed. Carry a map and compass and check the return direction carefully in cloud. Choose clothing and equipment for the mountain forecast, including cold and wet conditions. A clear path does not remove the need for navigation skills.

Access and conservation

Parking at Garbat is limited. Use designated spaces without obstructing access; do not park on verges. Garve is the nearest public-transport connection, with an onward journey needed.

Stay in the centre of the established path across the plateau to protect its fragile moss. Keep dogs close and preferably on a lead, especially during April–August when ground-nesting birds are vulnerable to disturbance.

Landscape

The underlying Moine metamorphic rocks include schist and gneiss. Freeze–thaw processes have shaped the surface into distinctive patterned ground and slowly moving soil lobes. Centuries of grazing and nineteenth-century sporting-estate use also form part of the mountain's history.

Nearby tops

An Cabar is on the standard ascent. Tom a' Chòinnich (954 m) lies farther north, while Little Wyvis (763 m) is a separate hill to the south. A descent from Tom a' Chòinnich crosses rough, pathless ground; the standard return retraces the outward route.

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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 Wyvis via An Cabar from Garbat (out and back)

From the Ben Wyvis car park on the A835 at NH410671, follow the path across the footbridge and through Garbat Forest beside the Allt a' Bhealaich Mhòir. Cross the forestry track and climb the steep built path to An Cabar. Follow the ridge to the summit trig point of Glas Leathad Mòr, then retrace the outward route to the car park. The full return is 14 km with 935 m of ascent; allow 4.5–5.5 hours. Stay on the worn path across the mossy plateau and navigate carefully in poor visibility.

14 km Strenuous mountain walk
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,046m

3,432 ft

Prominence

691m

Coordinates

57.6789, -4.5793

NH462683

OS Map

20

Explorer: 437S

At the Summit

A trig point marks Glas Leathad Mòr, the 1046 m summit of Ben Wyvis, at NH 46299 68368.

Terrain & Geology

Forest paths steep built stone path to An Cabar broad exposed summit ridge fragile moss heath

Ben Wyvis is underlain by Moine metamorphic rocks, including schist and gneiss derived from clay- and silt-rich sediments. Its weathered surface preserves notable periglacial patterned ground, including stripes and circles, alongside solifluction sheets and lobes.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views extend across the Moray Firth and Black Isle, towards Torridon and the Fannichs, and south towards the Cairngorms.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

NatureScot translates the summit name Glas Leathad Mòr as 'great, green, broad slope'.

Historical Significance

Grazing has shaped Ben Wyvis for centuries. NatureScot records that many of its paths, fences and rock shelters date from nineteenth-century sporting-estate use.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Ben Wyvis car park at Garbat, NH410671, on the east side of the A835 between Garve and Ullapool. Parking is free, with a 2.5 m height barrier. Spaces are limited; a layby about 400 m towards Ullapool has some additional room. Share a lift where possible. Do not park on the verge or block access for local residents.

Public Transport

Garve has the nearest bus stop and railway station, about 8 km from the car park. Some buses on the Inverness–Ullapool route may stop at Garbat by request; confirm this with the operator before travelling. Arrange both the onward journey and the return connection in advance.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest toilets are at Silverbridge, about 3 km south on the A835; Forestry and Land Scotland also lists toilets at Rogie Falls. Shops and places to eat are available in Contin and Strathpeffer. Carry food and water for the mountain walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The built path to An Cabar is steep; wet stones can be slippery.
  • The exposed ridge offers little shelter from wind, cold or rain. Low cloud makes careful navigation essential.
  • Do not substitute a direct descent from the summit for the outward route; the alternative via Tom a' Chòinnich includes rough, pathless ground.

Seasonal Hazards

Protect ground-nesting birds by keeping dogs in sight and under close control, preferably on a lead, especially on the summit plateau during April–August. Check mountain weather before setting out and adapt plans to snow, ice, wind and available daylight.

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

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Location

Ben Wyvis - Glas Leathad Mor location map

Grid reference: NH462683

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