The highest massif in Assynt, and among the most northerly of Munros, these rugged hills offer enjoyable ridge walking in a remote setting, with the spacious feel so typical of the far north. Tucked away in the interior, they may be less attention-grabbing than the individual island-like peaks to the west, but turn out to be every bit as impressive up close. From the lush green limestone country at Inchnadamph (with an optional cave detour), to the shattered and spectacularly folded quartzite of the Moine Thrust, geology fans will have a field day here. The route described is the standard linear there-and-back common to all the Munro guides; it's a great walk, so no apologies for lack of originality! A more challenging circuit is possible, including Ben More Assynt's scrambly (but not difficult) south ridge; you might also tag on the harder SE Ridge of Conival. For a really big day make a full circuit of the head of Glen Oykel, including Breabag.
Detailed description
This has been viewed 1,862 times
Download
OS maps and some other mapping apps don't allow waypointsStatistics
Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 10.75 miles (17.30 km)
Total ascent: 1,152m
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 hours (Walking)
to rate this walk.
Additional Information
Start/Finish:Car park near the Inchnadamph Hotel, NC250216
Nearest town:
Ullapool
Terrain:
A vehicle track to start, and then a well-trodden hill path. It's boggy and eroded on the ascent from the glen, then lots of rubbly ground up high. The summit ridges are rough, but there's no real scrambling on the route as described.
Seasonal variations:
Some steep ground on the ascent onto Conival, which may be icy in winter. The connecting ridge between the two Munros can hold a big cornice.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
Bus from Ullapool to Inchnadamph
Guidebooks:
For a much longer round of Glen Oykel see Great Mountain Days in Scotland (Cicerone)
Maps:
OS Explorer 439 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 440 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 442 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 15 (1:50,000)
Accommodation:
Inchnadamph Lodge self catering accommodation https://inchnadamph.co.uk/the-lodge/
Find more Listings near this route
Tourist info:
Lochinver (0845 22 55 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- East Ridge of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach 21 Jan
- A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire 4 Dec, 2023
- Meall na Teanga & Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - The Loch Lochy Munros 6 Nov, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023
or for a slightly less big day, follow the stalkers path up Glen Oykel to Dubh Loch Mor (so missing out the Breabag side) before taking the magnificent SE ridge of Conival. Still a big day (20 miles ish) but a bike will help as far as the north edge of the woods past Ben More Lodge.
I was wondering about a bike approach up Gel Oykel. Thanks you for predicting my question and providing the answer!
Missing out Breabag? Standards are clearly slipping.
Thanks though, that sounds like a good suggestion if it's the ridges/Munros you're after (Breabag takes a lot of effort. Worth it, but effort.)
For those averse to a there and back itinerary consider the following; head N from Conival on your return from BMA, via a fine escarpment, pay your respects at ‘Aeroplane Flats’ c. NC 293 231 and pick up the stalkers track at Loch Nan Cuaran outfall which leads to Inchnandamph.