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Loch Lomond winds between mountain ranges, seen from a high grassy summit
Argyll and Bute

Ben Lomond

The southernmost Munro, above Loch Lomond on the Highland line, with a well-made path from Rowardennan and views the length of the loch.

Welcome

Ben Lomond is the most southerly of the Munros and one of the most popular, rising from the east shore of Loch Lomond almost on the Highland Boundary Fault, the line that divides the Highlands from the Lowlands.

Some 30,000 people reach the top each year, and they are rewarded with views down the whole length of the loch and its islands, and north over range after range of mountains into the Highlands.

The walk starts from the car park at Rowardennan, about an hour and a half from Glasgow, and follows a well-made path all the way to the summit, at 3,193 feet. For a round trip, many come down the Ptarmigan ridge instead, which is steeper and rockier, and muddy lower down, but quieter and full of views. The walk is about twelve kilometres with 990 metres of ascent, and takes four and a half to five and a half hours.

A short drive awayFirkin PointA lochside picnic spot on the west shore of Loch Lomond, with views to Ben Lomond and a level path either way.7 min by roadSee itPicnic tables under the trees by the loch.
Before you go

The walk is 12 km with 990 m of ascent, 4.5 to 5.5 hours, from Rowardennan car park.

The main path is well made; the Ptarmigan ridge return is steep and rocky.

Distance
12 km, 990 m of ascent, 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Start
Rowardennan car park.
Where it is

The east shore of Loch Lomond, above Rowardennan.

Close byNearby.
  1. The road climbing Glen Croe to the Rest and Be Thankful between steep green hills.Rest and be ThankfulThe pass at the head of Glen Croe, 803 feet up, where travellers have stopped to rest since the military road of 1749.3 miles 10 min by road
  2. Wooden footbridge leading to stone steps through mossy woodlandTarbetThe village on the narrow neck between Loch Lomond and Loch Long, below the Arrochar Alps, where Vikings dragged their boats.3 miles 10 min by road
  3. Kayaks on the sand at Luss beach, the loch beyond.Luss BeachThe sandy shore at Luss on Loch Lomond, looking across the water to Ben Lomond.7 miles 13 min by road
  4. Village street with parked cars, a stone building and church spire beyondLussA conservation village of stone cottages on Loch Lomond, rebuilt by the Colquhouns for their slate workers, with a pier and a beach.7 miles 13 min by road
  5. Land Rover Defender descends a hillside track above a forested loch4 x 4 Adventures ScotlandOff-road driving and guided tours in the hills around Loch Lomond.7 miles 14 min by road
Directions
Picnic tables under the trees by the loch.AttractionsFirkin Point1.3 miles
The Village Rest, a whitewashed cottage with a red timber porch in Luss.CafeThe Village Rest6.6 miles
Luss Parish Church at a bend in the drive among trees.AttractionsLuss Parish Church6.6 miles
The shop's front with its round sign, in Luss.RestaurantsLuss Fish & Chip Co6.8 miles
Cars travel a curving road beside a loch below wooded hillsAttractionsLoch Lomond6.8 miles
Church Road in Luss, the café's sign by the street and the church spire beyond.CafeCoach House Coffee Shop6.8 miles
Two ribs on the loch.ActivityLoch Lomond Leisure Boat Hire6.9 miles
Snow on Ben Vane and its neighbours above the loch.AttractionsBen Vane9.4 miles
Walkers descend a rocky hillside path beside a tumbling burnAttractionsThe Cobbler10 miles
The Daily for 18 October, from Scotland with love. Golden-hour light catches a shadowed mountain above a loch, rust-coloured moorland in the foreground

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the hill, and when each is next free.

Red Squirrel Cabin, Argyll and ButeRed Squirrel Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Lochgoilhead
  • 11 miles from Ben Lomond
Check datesSeal Cabin, Argyll and ButeSeal Cabin
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Lochgoilhead
  • 11 miles from Ben Lomond
Check datesA Highland calf walks across a lawn before a pink harled house, a stone wall and outbuilding visible behind.Monachyle Mhor
  • To stay
  • In Balquhidder
  • 12 miles from Ben Lomond
Check datesA dark timber cabin with a pitched metal roof stands among ferns and birch trees.Kabn
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Cairndow
  • 14 miles from Ben Lomond
Free 17–19 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in Argyll and ButeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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