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North Highlands

Mountain hiking routes on Scotland's Northern Highlands

The finest hill-walking and scrambling routes on the mountains in Scotland's Northern Highlands.

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On this page you'll find a list of hill-walking routes in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. The routes are grouped into mountain ranges, with the most northerly at the start of the page and the most southerly at the bottom of the page.

To help you find routes, on a separate page, you can filter all these routes in the Northern Highlands by distance, ascent, difficulty of terrain, quality of scenery and even by Munro and Corbett count.

1. Ben Hope

Ben Hope is the most northerly Munro, lying on the Moine Thrust. The 'tourist path' is a popular hike up an obvious path. If you fancy something different and quieter, then a route up the north-ridge presents some challenges !

Ben Hope 'tourist route' and alternatives »

1a. Ben Loyal

In the far north of Scotland, Ben Loyal is an isolated mountain standing above the bog and lochans of the 'Flow Country' in Sutherland. A very prominant mountain, particularly when viewed from the north and west, the profile of tors and crags have given the mountain the title of 'Queen of Scottish Peaks'.

Ben Loyal from Ribigill »

Ben Loyal from Loch Loyal »

2. Beinn Spionnaidh and Cranstackie

The most northerly high ground in Scotland ! This pair of Corbetts combine to make for a pleasant and fairly easy afternoon hillwalk.

Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh from Loch Eriboll »

Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh from Carbreck »

3. Foinaven, Arkle and Meall Horn

Enjoy superb ridge-walking on these impressive mountains with their dramatic corries. Stunning vast views can be savoured on clear days on one of the best hill routes in Scotland.

Reay Forest Corbetts from Lone »

Foinaven and Arkle from Loch Stack »

4. Ben Stack

A very distinctive little hill, Schiehallion-esque in shape if not size (coming soon)

Ben Stack routes »

5. Merkland Corbetts

Between drab moorland and the dramatic north-west coast is a quiet transition area with several peaks

Routes on the Merkland Corbetts »

6. Ben Klibreck

Mighty Ben Klibreck sprawls over a vast area above forestry and moorland to the north of Lairg in Sutherland. Meall nan Con is the name given to Ben Klibreck's Munro summit, which sits above wide crests and corries.

Hillwalking routes on Ben Klibreck »

7. Quinag

A stunning mountain from any angle. Three of the summits are distinctive enough to be classed as Corbett peaks

Hillwalking routes on Quinag »

8. Assynt

Bouldery peaks with fine views over Coigach. A visit to the Bone Caves is recommended

Hillwalking route in Assynt »

9. Suilven and Canisp

Long walks in from any direction to reach these iconic peaks
(coming soon)

Hillwalking routes on Suilven and Canisp »

10. Cul Mor, Cul Beag and Stac Pollaidh

These rough hills sit in some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. Stalker's paths access the hills and a beautiful 'lost valley' with a lochan and beach can be found.

Routes on Cul Mor, Cul Beag and Stac Pollaidh »

11. Inverlael

Varied peaks in the vast area east of Ullapool. You'll need good navigation skills in poor visibility

Hillwalking routes in Inverlael »

12. Carn Chuinneag

A pleasant walk in along a fine track leads to grassy slopes and a fine view point (coming soon)

Hillwalking routes on Carn Chuinneag »

13. Wyvis

Recently improved paths tackle the errosion on Inverness's 'Ben'

Hillwalking routes on Ben Wyvis »

14. Fannaichs & Fionn Bheinn

Loch Fannich is encirlced by many peaks. Above its northern shore is a long chain of grassy ridges and crests that contains 9 Munro summits. To the south is isolated Fionn Bheinn, its summit perched above Toll Mor coire.

Fionn Bheinn from Achnasheen »

All 9 Fannichs Munros from the south »

Other routes on the Fannichs »

15. An Teallach

Dramatic An Teallach with its spires and crags guards a beautiful remote area containing some wonderful peaks. Nearby is the more gentle Corbett peak of Sail Mhor.

Walking and scrambling routes on An Teallach »

16. Fisherfield

Reputed to be the remotest wilderness in Scotland, there are 5 Munros (and an ex-Munro) tucked away in here, over which the circuit is called the 'Big 6'. Also nearby are the Corbetts of Beinn Dearg Mor and Creag Rainich.

Hillwalking routes in Fisherfield »

17. Slioch

Majestic and appearing quite impenetrable, Slioch is actually easily accessed from Loch Maree

Hillwalking routes on Slioch »

19. Flowerdale Forest Corbetts

A wonderful hidden area north of Torridon awaits to be explored. A fine but rough track aims in to Loch na h-Oidhche from where a circular route bounds over heather and grass

Hillwalking routes on the Flowerdale Corbetts »

20. Beinn Alligin and Beinn Dearg

Beinn Alligin's sandstone terraces are split by the dramatic Eag Dhubh. Some fine scrambling to be enjoyed

Hillwalking and scrambling routes on Beinn Alligin »

21. Liathach

Situated in the heart of Torridon, Liathach has some fine scrambling and the hardest mainland munro-top

Hillwalking and scrambling routes on Liathach »

22. Beinn Eighe

Lots of varied route choices over rocky and bouldery summits. Coire Mhic Fhearchair is simply stunning

Hillwalking and scrambling routes on Beinn Eighe »

23. Applecross Corbetts

Stunning high cliffs and butresses protect vast plateaux, however the range is readily accessed to gain wonderful panoramas

Hillwalking routes in Applecross »

24. Beinn Damh

A dramatic little peak. Ideal for a fairly relaxed afternoon's ascent, the main route up is pathed and easier than it looks.

Hillwalking routes up Beinn Damh »

25. Coulin Forest North

Often when the tops of Beinn Eighe, Beinn Alligin and Liathach are sulking in thick mist, Sgurr Dubh and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine on the other side of Glen Torridon will be cloud free and worth visiting.