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Loch Lomond and the hills beyond it from high on Ben Lomond, a path crossing the grass below a rocky outcrop.
Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps

Ben Lomond

A Munro of 974 metres, number 182 of the 282.

On the hill todayI was up today
The hill

Ben Lomond rises to 974 metres above Loch Lomond, inside the National Park: the most southerly of the Munros.

The National Park Authority calls it a landmark summit, seen from as far away as the south of the Clyde. The hill is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

From Rowardennan a well-worn path leads up, but Forestry and Land Scotland calls it rough and strenuous, for fit and experienced walkers. The National Park Authority names two ways: up and down the well-laid path, or a circuit by the more challenging Ptarmigan Ridge.

Distance and time
Forestry and Land Scotland gives it as an 8 mile round trip.
The start
Rowardennan car park, at the end of the road, 12 miles from Drymen.
Summit
Grid reference NN 367 028
Path closure
On Thursday 29 October 2026 the main hill path closes for about four hours for repairs. The Ptarmigan Ridge route stays open, but coming down the main path you may find it shut at the work site.
Under snow
The avalanche service forecasts six other areas, not Ben Lomond. No forecast does not mean no risk under snow.
Car park
Rowardennan, nearest postcode G63 0AR. In 2026 it costs £5 for the day or £2 for up to an hour, by coins, card or RingGo, and is free with a Blue Badge.
Without the car
No buses run to Rowardennan. In the summer months a ferry crosses from Tarbet and Luss, on the opposite bank of the loch.
Toilets and food
Rowardennan has public toilets, open from Easter to October, and the hotel and the hostel there serve food and drink.
On the hill today
0° to 5°Drizzle on the summit, 974 m. Feels like −3° in the wind.

West wind to 10 mph, gusting 21
Rain, about 1 mm
Light from 7.51am to 6.16pm, ten hours

Sat 17Clear−3° to 4° on top · 6 mph, gusts 15
Sun 18Clear−4° to 4° on top · 4 mph, gusts 8
Mon 19Drizzle−5° to 6° on top · 9 mph, gusts 19

A weather model's forecast for the height of the summit, not a report from the hill. Read the mountain forecast the evening before: West Highlands forecast, Ben Lomond.

October2026

MTWTFSS

Going another day?

Choose the day you mean to climb.Near or far: the light you will have, and what the summit is likely to be doing.

Photographs by Colin, offmains, Thomas and Rob Henderson, via Google

Even in summer the weather can change very quickly here, so come prepared.Forestry and Land Scotland, which keeps the car park at Rowardennan
Before you go

Carry

  • A paper map and a compass, and the skill to use them
  • Waterproofs, warm layers, hat and gloves
  • Food and drink
  • A head torch, a whistle and a first aid kit
  • A survival bag
  • Boots with a good grip

Under snow and ice this is a different day, with short light and the risk of avalanche. It needs an ice axe, crampons, winter boots and the skill to use them.

If something goes wrong

  • Dial 999, ask for the police, then mountain rescue
  • Give a six-figure grid reference: the summit is NN 367 028
  • Say how many are hurt, how many are with you, and your number
  • Register to text 999 before the day: text the word register to 999

The summit is optional. Turning back is the right decision whenever the cloud, the wind or the light say so.

How to call for help in the hills · Safety and skills for the hills · ThinkWINTER

From our readers

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From the magazine
Read more elsewhere

For the route itself, take the map and read these.

Sleep and eat at its foot

Next along: Beinn Narnain, Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich, Beinn Ime. Checked on 9 October 2026. The facts on this page are Forestry and Land Scotland's and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority's; the forecasts are the Mountain Weather Information Service's and the Met Office's. Height and position from The Database of British and Irish Hills, v18.3, adapted, CC BY 4.0. This page is not a route description and does not replace a map.