Carn Ban

248m Elevation
233m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Carn Ban

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

Route planning notes

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

Glencanisp Lodge Route

A popular starting point featuring a scenic approach through stunning highland landscapes.

12 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Dornoch Firth Approach

An alternative route offering panoramic views of the Dornoch Firth and the surrounding valleys.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

248m

814 ft

Prominence

233m

Coordinates

56.3974, -5.6938

NM721289

OS Map

49

Explorer: 359 375E

At the Summit

The summit of Carn Ban features a stony cairn that many use to mark their ascent, along with a trig point for those keen on checking in their elevation status. It's said to be the place where your phone officially admits it has no signal.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged and rocky with patches of grass followed by some boggy sections that might just want to swallow your boots whole.

Carn Ban is primarily composed of granite, with substantial deposits of gneiss and schist in the surrounding area. This sturdy rock offers a solid footing for eager hikers, although the weather can turn its mood quicker than you can say 'It's a bit nippy out here!'.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you'll be greeted by sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, including Ben More Assynt and the shimmering waters of the Loch Assynt in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Carn Ban translates to 'White Hill' in Gaelic, hinting at its often snow-capped splendour during the colder months.

Historical Significance

This area has a rich history, deeply rooted in Norse and Gaelic culture, with remains of ancient clans scattered throughout the landscape.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Glencanisp Lodge, though spaces can fill up faster than you can brew a cup of tea, especially on sunny weekends.

Public Transport

Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus service operates from Ullapool to the surrounding area, so be sure to plan ahead or consider carpooling for a bit of fun.

Nearby Facilities

Ullapool contains several cafes, shops, and facilities, including public toilets. After a long hike, a nice cup of tea and some fresh scones are not far away!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for the sudden weather changes typical in the Highlands. Fog can roll in faster than a Highlander can shout 'to the loch!', and slipping in boggy sections can leave your shoes looking like they've had a mud wrestling match.

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 Carn Ban?

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

Are there other walkers around Carn Ban?

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 Carn Ban search or of course create your own walk for Carn Ban

Can I organise a walk to Carn Ban?

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 Carn Ban.

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 Carn Ban?

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 Carn Ban 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