Ben Hope

Ben Hope is a fitting peak to be the most northerly Munro, standing as it does in splendid isolation not far from the northern coastline of Scotland. The west side of the mountain, which overlooks Strath More and the head of Loch Hope, is very steep along its whole length, with two tiers of crags, the higher one forming the edge of the main south-north ridge of Ben Hope. The east side of the mountain has three fine corries, but they are rather remote and inaccessible, and consequently seldom visited. The north ridge is very steep and rocky with one difficult section, but the south ridge is much broader and has no difficulties, and is the usual route of ascent.

The route starts at a large shed beside the road just over 2 kilometres north of Alltnacaillich and goes up a path beside a small stream to reach the main ridge 2 kilometres south of the summit of Ben Hope. The ascent of this broad grassy ridge is easy. An alternative route starts from Alltnacaillich and goes up a path beside the burn of the same name. This gives access to the lower part of the south ridge which is followed for its whole length of 5 kilometres, joining the previous route halfway up.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)