Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival up Ben More Assynt: route map, distance and time
999 m · Highland
Ben More Assynt is the 999m high point of Sutherland, a remote quartzite Munro reached from Inchnadamph over Conival.
A path follows Gleann Dubh to the bealach below Conival. You climb Conival and follow the rough quartzite ridge east to the summit.
Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival at a glance
| Distance | 8.6 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 1,034 m |
| Time up | 3h 25m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 5h 10m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Inchnadamph (car park by the hotel) |
| Start grid reference | NC 251 218 |
| Summit grid reference | NC 318 201 |
Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 50m | 4h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 3h 25m | 5h 10m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 4h 15m | 6h 20m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 08:01, sunset 18:07. Start by 11:57 to be down before dark, allowing 5h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:04, sunset 18:04. Start by 11:54 to be down before dark, allowing 5h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Ben More Assynt summit weather for this route
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Marginal Today Sunday 18 October
Overcast, up to 3°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -6°C, summit wind 32 mph gusting 40 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:01, sunset 18:07.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Overcast, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 34 mph gusting 42 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:04, sunset 18:04.
Best day of the next seven for Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival: Thursday 22 October, with summit gusts around 28 mph and a 43% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 65% (Good), best around 06:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Ben More Assynt forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Ben More Assynt?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Northwest Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -6°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 40 mph.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Ben More Assynt
Ben More Assynt is the 999m high point of Sutherland, a remote quartzite Munro reached from Inchnadamph over Conival. More about Ben More Assynt, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Ben More Assynt South Top (959 m), 1 km south-east
- Conival (988 m), 1.5 km west
Challenges that include Ben More Assynt
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NC 251 218, the summit at NC 318 201), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival: questions and answers
How far is Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival?
Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival is 8.6 km one way to the summit of Ben More Assynt, with 1,034 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 17.2 km.
How long does Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival take?
About 3h 25m to the summit of Ben More Assynt and 5h 10m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 6h 20m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival?
Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival starts from Inchnadamph (car park by the hotel). The grid reference is NC 251 218.
Is Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first.
What time should I start Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival today?
By 11:57 at the latest. Sunset on Ben More Assynt today is 18:07, Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival takes about 5h 10m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Inchnadamph via Gleann Dubh and Conival?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).