Ben More Assynt

Mountain Remote Scottish Munro known for prominent quartzite summit

Rising in northwest Scotland, Ben More Assynt is a nearly 1,000‑metre quartzite peak prized by hillwalkers. Climbers tackle rough, remote terrain for ridge walking, rock features and wide coastal views from the summit.

Main image

Ben More Assynt is a mountain in the Assynt area of Sutherland in the northwest Highlands of Scotland, with a summit elevation of 998 metres. It is listed as a Munro and is prominent within the rugged Assynt landscape.

The mountain is popular with experienced hillwalkers and mountaineers for steep, sustained ascents and offers wide-ranging views from the summit to surrounding lochs and coastal features on clear days. Routes are generally remote and require mountain navigation and appropriate equipment.

Ben More Assynt lies inland in the Assynt and Coigach region of Sutherland, in the sparsely populated northwest Highlands, with nearby settlements including Inchnadamph and Lochinver serving as common access points.

  • Elevation and status: The summit reaches 998 metres and is classified as a Munro in Scottish hill listings.
Ben More Assynt
Ben More Assynt, Assynt, Sutherland, Scotland
58.1382, -4.8579
Free (mountain / hillwalking).

How to Get to Ben More Assynt #

Ben More Assynt is normally approached from the small village of Inchnadamph (the usual trailhead). Drive to Inchnadamph on the minor single-track roads off the A836/A837 corridor from the west Highlands; there is parking at the village and on nearby estate tracks. From the car park follow the well-used stalkers’ paths and ridgelines - this is a mountain route so allow several hours on foot and bring appropriate maps and gear.

Tips for Visiting Ben More Assynt #

  • Start the climb from the Inchnadamph village car park on the A837 - it is the usual access point and gives the most direct route onto the stalker's paths used for Ben More Assynt.
  • Plan your visit in late spring to early autumn for the most stable weather and long daylight; avoid winter ascents when snow, ice and poor visibility make navigation hazardous.
  • Expect long sections without a well‑defined path and unreliable phone signal; carry a map/compass or GPS route and allow extra time for navigation and descent.

Best Time to Visit Ben More Assynt #

Go in late spring through summer for the best combination of daylight, trail access and safer walking conditions.

Summer (best for hiking)
June-August · 5-15 °C (on the mountain)
Longest daylight and the most reliable period for clearer conditions and trail access, though weather can change quickly so expect cool temperatures at altitude.
Late spring / Early autumn (shoulder season)
May; September · 0-10 °C
Fewer people on the routes and generally good conditions for walking, but weather is more changeable and some higher sections can be wet or boggy.
Winter (not recommended for casual walkers)
November-March · −10-5 °C
Cold, often snowy and icy with short daylight hours; requires winter mountaineering experience and equipment.

Weather & Climate near Ben More Assynt #

Climate

Ben More Assynt's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -2°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2518 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
MayJulyJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (281 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

281 mm
Rainfall
13.1 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

20 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

198 mm
Rainfall
12.9 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (244 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

244 mm
Rainfall
12.3 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
10.1 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.2h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.6h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.9h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
13°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
12°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (234 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

234 mm
Rainfall
9.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (272 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

272 mm
Rainfall
11.5 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (285 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

285 mm
Rainfall
12.0 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.6h daylight

December

December is the coolest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (272 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

20 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

272 mm
Rainfall
11.6 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.2h daylight

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