Region: Northern Highlands – East of Ullapool
Height: 1,046m (3,431 ft)
Glas Leathad Mòr, “big grey slope,” is the highest point on Ben Wyvis, a long, whale-backed ridge rising above the folds of Strathgarve and Garbat Forest. Though gentle in gradient, its summit plateau is wide, exposed, and often mist-bound, demanding careful navigation and ceremonial pacing. The approach via An Cabar offers a constructed path and steady ascent, making it one of the more accessible Munros for campervan travellers. Popular with Inverness locals and legacy stewards alike, it offers panoramic views across Easter Ross, Loch Glass, and the distant folds of Fisherfield.
Trailhead and Parking
Primary Access Point: Ben Wyvis Car Park (Garbat)
Location: Just off the A835, approximately 6 km north of Garve
Grid Reference: NH410683 (trailhead)
Summit Grid Reference: NH462683
Capacity: Space for around 20 vehicles; suitable for short campervans during the day
Facilities: Information board; no toilets or water
Charges: Free
Overnight: Not permitted at the trailhead; height barrier in place
Alternative Options
- Garve: Community-supported staging and basic services
- Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys near Garbat (check signage)
- Dingwall and Strathpeffer: Campsites and full amenities
Route Overview
Standard Ascent: Constructed path via An Cabar and summit ridge
Distance: Approximately 14 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 910 metres
Terrain: Stone steps, grassy ridges, featureless summit dome
Time Estimate: 4.5 to 6 hours
Extensions:
- Ridge can be explored further for quiet pacing
- Winter ascents require a full kit and caution
Navigation Notes
- Path to An Cabar is clear and well-maintained
- The summit plateau is exposed and indistinct in the mist
- Trig point at Glas Leathad Mòr marks the true summit
- A map and compass are essential; a GPS is helpful for ridge transitions
- Winter conditions may include ice, wind scour, and cornices
Campervan Suitability
Day Parking
- Ben Wyvis car park allows daytime campervan access
- A height-restriction barrier may require taller vehicles to use nearby laybys
Overnight Options
- Wild laybys near Garbat (check signage)
- Community-supported staging in Garve
- Full facilities in Dingwall or Strathpeffer
Fuel and Supplies
- Garve: Small shop and basic services
- Contin, Dingwall, Ullapool: Fuel, supermarkets, outdoor gear
- Water refill: Recommended before entering the Garbat trailhead
Legacy Log
- Name origin: “Glas Leathad Mòr” translates to “big grey slope”
- Summit features: Trig point with views across Easter Ross, Loch Glass, and Fisherfield
- Known for: Accessibility, summit exposure, and sacred pacing
- Popular with: Legacy stewards, Inverness locals, and wilderness pilgrims
Closing Notes
This is Munro Profile 87 in your campervan-access series. If you have traced the grey hush, paused at the trig point’s edge, or found a rhythm in Wyvis’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports fellow travellers.
Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here: