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    Ben Hope Walk

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4-5.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    7.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    946 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
    Ben Hope Walk

    Looking for an intense, rewarding adventure in the remote, desolate wild? The Ben Hope Walk climbs a steep ascent towards an incredibly scenic and isolated view of the wilderness decorated with soaring peaks, lochans, and the faraway sea fading toward the Arctic. This out-and-back route is shorter but packs a punch by having you bag a Munro in under 8.0 km.

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    Route Description for Ben Hope Walk

    The Ben Hope Walk may have you gasping for air at points, but the wild scenery viewed from the summit will have you thanking your body for enduring the pain from moments before. The route starts super steep before reaching a rocky, more technical section later on! Come prepared with proper footwear and extra layers to block out the wind at the top. We advise saving this walk for a clear day because nothing hurts more than working hard to get to the summit to only arrive at a blanket of obstructed, cloudy views. Bring bug spray as well! Some users have reported a lot of insects on the trail. Dogs can also use this trail but do keep them on a leash.

    While the Ben Hope Walk may be physically challenging, the adventure of getting there intertwined with the views at the top makes for a fantastic, worthwhile journey. Revel in lochans, remote peaks, with the sea punctuating the scenery from beyond!

    Setting out from the car park, you'll follow a helpful sign indicating "Way Up Ben Hope," which wastes no time in taking you straight uphill. You'll traverse rocky ground when the path hugs the southeast bank of Allt a'Mhuiseil. Take care here! As you leave the stream, the climb levels ever-so-slightly, giving you a chance to catch your breath quickly. But not long after, the path heads east and forces you to tackle another steep ascent. Look out for stunning vistas up Strathmore.

    Continue until you reach a grassy area before heading upward (yes, uphill, again, we know) toward Ben Hope's southern ridge. Enjoy the gentle slope before the elevation intensifies. Then, follow the switchbacks to the right to ascend before facing the escarpment again. The path follows an eroded route up the grassy slope before forcing you to climb another steep section when you're near the western escarpment. And when you think you've made it, you'll soon realize you've only reached the false summit.

    And then the route intensifies yet again, taking you to a small summit, where a cairn awaits. Pause to bask in the wild views bleeding into the horizon! This is a small plateau, so take caution and don’t get too close to the edge, especially if you’re with your pup—keep them on a tight leash.

    After soaking in the desolate scenery, pat yourself on the back for bagging a Munro, and turn around to head back to the car park the same way you came, as this is an out-and-back route.

    Trail Highlights

    Ben Hope

    Ben Hope stands tall at 927 m and steals the show in the north, as it's the most northerly Munro. Its far-out location equates to astonishing wild views of soaring peaks, lochans, with the sea off in the distance. Ben Hope looks like a wide triangle from afar, granting fantastic from both its summit and from the ground!

    Insider Hints for Ben Hope Walk

    • Bring along proper footwear to support you during the rockier sections and layers for the windswept summit.
    • There are insects, so you may want to bring bug repellent along.

    Getting to the Ben Hope Walk Trailhead

    To get to the start of the Ben Hope Walk, head to the Carpark in Strathmore, opposite the Strathmore River.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      May-September

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Ben Hope Walk Elevation Graph

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    Ben Hope Walk Reviews

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