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peaks
ascent distance time start/finish maps |
Ben Hope (927m, Munro 256)
915m (3,000ft) 6.5km (4m) running : 1:08hr, walking : 2:30hr By Strathmore River (NC462476) OS landranger 9 |
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main route summary Ben Hope is the most northerly munro, lying on the Moine Thrust. From most directions it is a ditincive peak - from the south its long slopes rise gradually from the moorlands, whereas from the north, the craggy summit is seen to sit on top of different rock layers above Loch Hope. There are two main approaches - a quick and easy route from the south, or a more complex, longer route in from the north that takes in some exposed scrambling. |
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main route outline Getting there Ben Hope sits above Loch Hope, some 50km north of Lairg on an unclassified narrow road. From Lairg, head north to Altnaharra, cross the bridge, then from the junction follow the sign marked Hope. Up this road for 17km, to Dun Dornaigil Broch. 2.5km further, there's a large farm shed with space for several cars to park by the sign that marks the starting point of the route up. Ben Hope From the roadside, follow the burn up its southside on a worn, wet path. The path quickly becomes very steep, crosses a minor burn, then levels out and turns more northwards. You'll come to a junction in the path, turn right and head up through the heather on a path up more steep ground. The ground levels again and some very wet grass covered ground requires crossing. The path reforms, crosses a burn, then after a bit, more grassy ground is crossed to reach the path up the bouldery slopes at around c500m. Just follow the path uphill and reach more grassy slopes and the edge of the western crags at around c700m. The summit is not much further, but if in mist, you might mistake the first cairn the you meet to be the summit - it's not ! The summit has a trig point perched on some boulders, from where the views are wonderful and vast. On a clear day you can even see Orkney. Return Return by the same route. 
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Zoomable OS 1:50000 and 1:25000 maps are here
atholl area weblinks
routes nearby
alternatives Head up the craggy north-east ridge 
The Moine Path starts from the roadside 3km north of the starting point for the main route up Ben Hope. Follow the path for 2km to where the path turns sharply and a footbridge is met. Cross the bridge, then leave the path and head east-south-east up pathless, wet, grass covered slopes for just under 2km. Turn south-west, and follow the crest of Ben Hope's north-east shoulder (Carn a'Ghallaich) up, picking up a path on the way. The path continues up to the base of a "bad-step" at around c820m. Climbing up this is technically fairly straightforward, however the sensational exposure may persuade you to look for a by-pass. There is an alternative - head slightly to the left (east) and scramble up a gully to just above the difficulties on the ridge. Further up, the narrow crest gradually gives way to the wide summit plateau and the trig point is reached. Return by the main route, with a pleasant walk of 3km back along the road. Ascent : 930m, distance : 9km (plus 3km back along road) |
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ben hope
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