
North Highlands and Outer Hebrides
The finest hill-walking and scrambling routes on the mountains in Scotland's Northern Highlands, including Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
Northern Highlands
West Highlands
Eastern Highlands
Central Highlands
Southern Highlands
Southern Uplands
1. Cape Wrath to Loch Eriboll | |
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The most northerly high ground in Scotland ! The pair of Corbetts of Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh combine to make for a pleasant and fairly easy afternoon hillwalk from Carbreck to the north-west or Loch Eriboll to the south-east.
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2. Loch Eriboll to Loch Naver | |
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Lying on the Moine Thrust, Ben Hope and Ben Loyal are isolated mountains standing above the bog and lochans of the 'Flow Country'.
Both are distinctive mountains with Ben Hope being the most northerly Munro and Ben Loyal given title of 'Queen of Scottish Peaks' due to its profile of tors and crags.
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3. Srath Dionard to Strath Stack | |
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Enjoy superb ridge-walking on Foinaven and Arkle with their dramatic corries.
Ben Stack and Meall Horn are more grass covered in comparison.
Stunning vast views can be savoured on clear days on some of the best hill routes in Scotland.
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4. Srath Luib na Seilich to Loch Merkland | |
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Between drab moorland and the dramatic north-west coast is a quiet transition area with several peaks.
Hillwalking routes:
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5. Strath Vagastie to Strath Ullie | |
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In the mainly flat area of Sutherland, standing alone, mighty Ben Klibreck is the highest in this area, sprawling over a vast area above forestry and moorland to the north of Lairg in Sutherland.
The land is pitted by other solitary peaks, of which Morven is the most prominent.
Hillwalking routes:
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6. Quinag | |
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Quinag is a stunning mountain from all directions. The complex topography of this mountain involves crests and ridges connecting several summits, three of which are classed as Corbett peaks.
Hillwalking routes:
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7. East Assynt and Glen Coul | |
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Quartzite covered crests and spurs lead to the highest peaks in Assynt from where fine views are to be had over Coigach and northwards. A visit to the 'Bone Caves' is worth a detour.
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8. West Assynt and Glencanisp | |
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To gain the summits of Suilven and Canisp involves a long walk from Glencanisp, Loch Assynt, or Ledmore. Suilven’s 'Sugar Loaf' summit is iconic above Lochinver.
Hillwalking routes:
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9. Coigach and Inverpolly | |
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The rough hills of Coigach lie in some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. Stac Pollaidh is rugged, while nearby Cul Mor hides a beautiful 'lost valley' with lochan and beach.
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10. Inverlael, Freevater and Strathvaich | |
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Varied peaks east of Ullapool. Beinn Dearg dominates, while Seana Bhraigh’s cliffs above Loch a' Choire Mhoir are impressive. Navigation skills are essential here.
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11. Easter Ross | |
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Ben Wyvis dominates Easter Ross. Estate tracks provide access to Little Wyvis and Carn Chuinneag, allowing quieter peaks to be reached.
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12. The Fannichs | |
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Loch Fannich is surrounded by peaks. Northern grassy ridges contain 9 Munros. To the south, isolated Fionn Bheinn towers above Toll Mor coire.
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13. An Teallach | |
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An Teallach, famed for airy rock-scrambling along spires and crests, guards the wild Fisherfield area. Nearby is the gentler Corbett, Sail Mhor.
Hillwalking routes:
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14. Fisherfield | |
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Fisherfield and Letterewe form one of Scotland’s remotest wilderness areas. There are 5 Munros and 5 Corbetts around Shenevall Bothy, an ideal base for climbing the mountains.
Hillwalking routes:
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15. Letterewe | |
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Remote and rugged, Letterewe rests between Loch Maree, Fionn Loch, and Lochan Fada. Dominated by Slioch and cliffs of Beinn Lair, some dramatic features are hidden from view.
Hillwalking routes:
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16. Flowerdale Forest | |
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A hidden area north of Torridon. Circular routes explore heather, grass, and sandstone along a fine but rough track through the glens.
Hillwalking routes:
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17. Torridon | |
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Beinn Alligin, Liathach, and Beinn Eighe are Torridon's giants, famed for airy rock-scrambling along ridges and pinnacles. Coire Mhic Fhearchair behind Beinn Eighe is stunning.
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18. Coulin and Ben Damh | |
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Between Glen Torridon and Glen Carron, bouldery peaks rise above varied terrain. Fuar Tholl and Beinn Damh are notable for character and scenic appeal.
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19. Applecross | |
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High cliffs and grass-covered plateaux accessed via the Bealach na Ba. Corbetts Beinn Bhan and Sgurr a' Chaorachain are easily reached from this route.
Hillwalking routes:
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20. Harris and Lewis | |
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Clisham (An Cliseam) is the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides. Sitting above Harris coastline, the summit offers stunning views.
Hillwalking routes:
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21. Uists and Benbecula | |
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The Uists and Benbecula form a chain of islands in the Outer Hebrides. Highest peaks: Beinn Mhor, Beinn Choradail, and Hecla in South Uist.
Hillwalking routes:
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If you're thinking of a NC500 road-trip, here is a list of the best hillwalking routes on the NC500.
