Ben Wyvis from Garbat

Ben Wyvis (1,046m) dominates the skyline north-west of Inverness and is one of the most recognised mountains in the Eastern Highlands. The route from the Garbat forestry car park is the most commonly used approach, climbing through plantation woodland before gaining the open hillside and ascending to the broad, flat summit plateau via the An Cabar shoulder. The summit ridge extends for over a kilometre at plateau level, giving exceptional views across the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths, the Northern Highlands and on clear days the Cairngorms to the south.

Ben Wyvis is a genuinely excellent choice for dog owners seeking a Munro with good mountain character and high off-lead potential. The open summit plateau is extensive, the path is clear throughout and the absence of technical terrain makes this manageable for well-conditioned dogs. The plantation woodland at the base asks for leads but the open hillside above is entirely unrestricted. Several burns on the ascent provide drinking water. The 1,050 m of ascent is a serious undertaking and the mountain carries snow late into spring; plan for a full day and equip accordingly. The car park fills quickly on good weather weekends.