Ben Hope Walk
![Ben Hope Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Ben-Hope-Walk-1709-633.jpg)
Table of contents
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.
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
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Hermit’s Castle Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hermit’s Castle Walk
The Highlands
![Kyle of Durness Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Kyle-of-Durness-Circular-Walk-1709-633.jpg)
Kyle of Durness Circular Walk
The Highlands
![Eas a’ Chual Aluinn Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Eas a’ Chual Aluinn Walk
The Highlands
![Cul Mor Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cul Mor Walk
The Highlands
![Knockan Crag Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Knockan-Crag-Trail-1709-633.jpg)
Knockan Crag Trail
The Highlands
![Oldshoremore Bay Circuit](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Oldshoremore-Bay-Circuit-1709-633.jpg)
Oldshoremore Bay Circuit
The Highlands
![Inchnadamph to Kylestrome Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Inchnadamph-to-Kylestrome-Walk-1709-633.jpg)
Inchnadamph to Kylestrome Walk
The Highlands
![Falls of Shin Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Falls of Shin Walk
The Highlands
![Suilven Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Suilven-Walk-1709-633.jpg)
Suilven Walk
The Highlands
![Sandwood Bay Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Sandwood-Bay-Walk-1709-633.jpg)
Sandwood Bay Walk
The Highlands
![Stac Pollaidh Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Stac-Pollaidh-Walk-1709-633.jpg)
Stac Pollaidh Walk
The Highlands
![Stac Pollaidh Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UK-SCO-The-Highlands-Stac-Pollaidh-Circular-Walk-1709-633.jpg)
Stac Pollaidh Circular Walk
The Highlands