3,766 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland
Ben Alder
Ben Alder is a 3,766 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Long Leachas: 28 mi, 3,770 ft of gain, Class 3.
Ben Alder at a glance
- Elevation3,766 ft1,147 m
- RouteLong LeachasClass 3
- Distance28 mi3,770 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCentral HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Long Leachas
From the A9, turn into Dalwhinnie and park near Dalwhinnie station by the level crossing. Start from Dalwhinnie station and follow the estate track along Loch Ericht and past Loch Pattack to the former Culra bothy site, which is closed, so camp nearby. From Culra, take the stalkers' path south and climb the Long Leachas, a rocky ridge with a few easy scrambling steps (Class 3), onto the plateau and walk to the trig point. Usually combined with Beinn Bheoil. The corrie edges hold snow into early summer and the plateau is confusing in mist. Most walkers camp at Culra or cycle the tracks.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Low visibility
- Cornices
- Steep exposure
- Stream crossing
Quests with Ben Alder
MunrosPeaks near Ben Alder
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Ben Alder?
Ben Alder is 3,766 feet (1,147 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.
How does Ben Alder rank among the Munros?
At 3,766 feet, Ben Alder is the 25th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to climb Ben Alder?
The Long Leachas is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 28 miles with 3,770 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Ben Alder?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Long Leachas, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Ben Alder dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Ben Alder?
It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the Long Leachas, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Ben Alder?
The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Ben Alder with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list