The easiest option to descend is to retrace your steps. The easiest Munros to hike on any Loch Lomond day trip are: Ben Lui, Ben Lomond, Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime, and Ben Vorlich. It’s steep, but it’s short at 6.5 miles round trip. The path descends steeply at first. Views from the top are sensational due to its central position within the Trossachs. Rowardennan Hotel offers refreshments and bar meals (at the Clansman Bar) with super views across Loch Lomond. Don’t take the Ptarmigan ridge down in bad weather or with inexperienced hikers. Departing from Tarbet, on the "bonnie bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, your return ticket includes a beer or wine so that you can toast your efforts. I've climbed this mountain a few times and my friends and I decided to climb Ben Lomond while the weather was still okay. After the final steep ascent, you’ll veer left and find the trig point at the summit. Hotels near (PIK) Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Great Munro for a family hike, starting point in Rowardennan, very popular place and limited car park, so it is best to start early in the morning. Ben Lomond: Great hike for newbies with small dog - See 222 traveler reviews, 267 candid photos, and great deals for Rowardennan, UK, at Tripadvisor. Copyright © 2021 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Making it our most southerly Munro. Rach with Loch Lomond in the background. Detailed info how to visit Ben A'An and Loch Katrine Trossachs by foot or bike. views and lots of nice sun, I even managed to lay down and chill out, it was just what was needed. This, the most southerly of all Munros, is a magnificent mountain with sensational views of island-studded Loch Lomond and across to the neighbouring Arrochar Alps. Ben Lomond’s Height: 974m Summit Grid Reference: NN 367 028 Translation: Beacon Hill Start Point: Next to Rowardennan Pier. Alternatively, ScotRail operates a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar & Tarbet every 4 hours. After the initial descent the path crosses some stepping-stones, and then it climbs a short distance to the Ptarmigan ridge. Check out more amazing walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, like the Ben A’an, Ben Venue, or Loch Venachar. We really have seen some amazing views from the top. If you are planning to climb Ben Lomond on the Ptarmigan Ridge or Tourist Route from Rowardennan, book this round-trip boat transfer for a relaxing and scenic start and end to your hike. The final section to the summit of Ben Lomond follows the wide ridge. Ben Lomond hike quick info. However it was damp and low cloud when we set off, yet the further we got up the Munro the better it got, when we got to the top it was stunning, above the clouds, still great Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! Ben Lomond is one of the most popular Munros, rewarding the 30,000 people who make it to the top with truly fantastic views of the length of Loch Lomond and its islands. Ben Lomond hike wasn't as nice for me as some others I did here, but it does show some great spots and also it was the highest challenge for me in this area. The view from the west side of Ben Lomond, looking towards Ben Vorlich and Loch Sloy (Dreamstime) It’s no surprise that… Height: 974 metres (3196 feet). The Ben A’an walk is a fun hike up what is commonly referred to as a mini mountain in Scotland. 15 Locations You Ought to Go Mountaineering in Scotland Searching for a few of the greatest hikes in Scotland? One tip would give is get to the car park early, we were lucky and got a tight but manageable parking space, but it could easily have been the other way. Quiraing hill circuit, Isle of Skye. Where do you park to climb Ben Lomond? Please choose a different date. Follow the path as it climbs through the woods, crosses a wider track, and continues on up hill above the tree line. Route length: 4 miles/ 6.5 km. It was a drizzly morning full of showers and cold westerly winds. This walk up Ben Lomond goes up an extremely popular mountain, but it is well worth joining the masses for the superb views down to Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills. And I would say it is for sure the best Queenstown winter day hike. However, it was an excellent hike in very good company, with most of the walkers having participated in all four Scots Magazine hikes. The north Loch Lomond area is characterised by a vast and open sense of place and long dramatic vistas. I loved it. From moorlands to roaring seas backed by towering rocky cliffs, to rolling hillsides and even skyscraping mountains, Scotland has all of it […] You should stop off at one of the many shingle beaches on the road south and enjoy Loch Lomond from the shore. Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, Ben Lomond Cottage Loch Lomond The Trossachs, Rowardennan, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park G63 0AR Scotland, Amazing views on a clear day but be aware of icy patches, The easier "tourist" path is well signed posted and a mostly easy walk compared to some other munroes of similar heights. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. just dont go. Good walking paths to access via Ptarmigan Ridge, a bit steeper climb but also less busy, not too difficult. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. so it was a lot more enjoyable, a bit of solitude in some places. Time Taken: 4-5 hours return. The hike was challenging and particularly steep at the end, however, well worth it with the most stunning views at the top. No spam. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the Ptarmigan Path forms an exhilarating walk to the summit of Ben Lomond (3,192 ft). So it was nice to reach the top. This path emerges onto a minor road: turn left. Must have been about 200. Scottish Citylink operates a bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Inverbeg, Hotel every 2 hours. It is very nice that we didn't have to take the same trail to go down, makes the hike more interesting. You’ll follow the ridge for much of the descent. Once out of the woodland you will be able to look back and admire the views down to Loch Lomond. Firm gravel surface with some loose and uneven sections. Hiking time: … Southern Upland Way. Well worth the walk and a good meal and bath afterward (not together) was a good reward. Ben Ledi…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro (mountain over 3,000ft/914m), at 3,193ft/974m. Ben Lomond hike was the best one we have done in Scotland so far. This is one of the best Scottish munro to climb as it rewards climbers with truly fantastic views of the whole of Loch Lomond. Don’t take this route, there are so many trails in this area its very easy to get lost! Tickets cost £6 - £9 and the journey takes 57 min. Busy place. The forests and woodlands along the loch shores contrast with the surrounding uplands to create a landscape of high scenic value. Show more Show less. Loch Venachar is a longish, low-level hike that takes you around the perimeter of Loch Venachar. Like most of Britain, Scotland is a wealth of pure assets and unbelievable landscapes. The rocky trail is well trodden with much of the hillside designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest. Felt like I overcame the challenge. The path continues to steadily climb. Length 7.9 mi Elevation gain 3,172 ft Route type Out & Back. roads were blocked to and from the Ben with people parking up anywhere they felt like. Ben Lomond is justifiably one of the UK’s most popular day hikes. the crowds were quite low as I went really early at that time. Height: 974m. The Ben Lomond trail is probably the most spectacular hike around Queenstown in Winter. Review of Ben Lomond Reviewed October 21, 2014 After a nice overnight-stay at Rowardennan Hotel we spent a fantastic day hiking up Ben Lomond.The trail was perfect and we enjoyed the spectacular view over Loch Lomond. Take a hike - go on, we know you want to! ... We looked across to Ben Venue with its ever brown-ish slopes, further to Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond at the far end of Loch Katrine; we also saw Loch Achray and nearby Ben Ledi. walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. You will need to watch your footing during your descent. However it was damp and low cloud when we set off, yet the further we got up the Munro the better it got, when we got to the top it was stunning, above the clouds, still great. You will see a sign at the beginning indicating that the Ben Lomond summit is 8.2 miles away. The mountain is a central, prominent feature of the landscape of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, together with its namesake loch. Opting for the Ptarmigan ridge on the descent makes for a quieter and more interesting return from the summit. It's a pretty challenging 5-6 hour climb, but not excessively if you're reasonably fit. There are so many things to do in Loch Lomond that you’ll be hard pressed to fit it all into one day. This was a spectacular hike. It is an uneven and craggy path and you will need your hands to steady yourself in places. This challenging hike starts near Loch Lomond and offers some fantastic views of the Trossachs. This particular Scotland hike, on the island of Hoy, is just a quick ferry ride from the northern tip of the northeast… The path crosses a small stream via a footbridge. Time to climb: 4-6 hours round trip. Ben Ledi is a Corbett (a Scottish mountain over 2000ft) and the highest mountain in the main part of Trossachs National Park. The trail starts in the Right Fork North Ogden Canyon near Liberty, Utah. The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain. Walking in Scotland means mighty mountains to conquer, plenty of forest paths or coastal walks to meander along, charming villages to discover, and exciting city routes to explore. the heather banks or sliding down the snowy hills on your back side offer an alternative! The first part of the hike went through birch forest with patches of bracken but soon led us above the tree line. Ben Lomond is the most popular mountain for hill walking in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.With views on Loch Lomond, the Southern Highlands and the lower hills and forests to the east, it is worthwhile climbing this munros. Loch Lomond Day Trip Itinerary Deciding to spend one day in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park? It’s one of the most popular hill-walks in Scotland. The Ben Lomond trail officially starts at the end of this trail. Ben Lomond lies within the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, property of the National Trust for Scotland. There is one main car park for Ben Lomond, located here. Parking costs £3. You’ll walk over a flat section before a final, steep switchback. Be mindful that for a lot of the winter months the path can be iced over and virtually impossible to walk on, especially trying to get down. You’re going to follow the road to return to the car park. And after that the descent was beautiful. Ben Lomond (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Laomainn, 'Beacon Mountain'), 974 metres (3,196 ft), is a mountain in the Scottish Highlands. A great walk up a great Munro, altogether it took us 6hours and 30mins to get up and down Ben Lomond. You see more scenery going down usually. Hiking Ben Lomond peak is a popular walk in Scotland. For generations of Clydesiders, hikes to Ben Lomond have represented an escape from industry and the city to the glorious adventures found in the Scottish Highlands. The Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel offers a stunning location and pleasant accommodations for those on a budget. Ben Lomond Viewpoint Trail Ascend through the conifers to a fine viewpoint overlooking the Forth Valley that delivers a fantastic view of one of Scotland’s best-loved peaks. It offers spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and incredible panoramas of the Alps. You’ll drop off to the right of the ridge for the final leg. The Ben A’an walk offers superb views, a steep climb and, a picture perfect (mini) mountain. The summit is the highest part of the area of land in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, which also … Although fairly lengthy, this is not a hugely challenging hike by any means. It’s at the very end of a long rural road running up alongside the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. Gear: Scotland packing list. Start on Brecon Street at the bottom of the gondola. Ben A'an is a fantastic short hike in Scotland, with incredible views! From Drymen take the B837 North to Balmaha. The view to the north reveals range beyond range of mountains into the Highlands. Situated on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, it is the most southerly of the Munros. Climb the Five Peaks in the PentlandsEdinburgh’s Pentland Hills might not have the height of their … A few blogs online talk about starting from towards Fernhill. Ben Lomond Mountain Path is a 7.9 mile out and back trail located near Arrochar, Argyll and Bute, Scotland that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. You really go high up. This takes anywhere from 12-16 days to finish, and it’s a coast-to-coast long … Find routes in Scotland, from walking oliday or just a day walking along Loch Lomond. This is a quieter, though steeper, route down. Recommended by Craig. My 10-year-old son and I decided we needed to get to the top of Ben Ledi one day. Route signposted from car park. Descent is generally by the same route as you came. From the car park, head towards the toilets and the information centre, the path starts at the back of the building and is clearly marked. Then, a little further up, you’ll pass through a gate and up onto the open farmland of the hillside. There was a steady stream of hikers all day long, making Ben Lomond easily the most heavily-populated Munro I’ve ever been on, surpassing even that of Ben Nevis. In winter you will need to carry and be able to use alpine equipment such as … The path up is well made, but the optional return down the Ptarmigan ridge is steep and rocky, and muddy lower down. Eventually you’ll pass through a second gate, and from here Ben Lomond comes into view—weather permitting! There are superb views…, The Ben A’an walk is a fun hike up what is commonly referred to as a mini mountain in Scotland.…, Ben Ledi offers you a tranquil walk in the charming Scottish countryside, just a short drive from Callander. Ben Ledi is 879 meters (2884 feet) and a relatively easy hike. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It is located on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond and is the most southerly of Scotland’s Munros. We prefer to follow the path that leads northwest from the summit, which is pretty much the opposite of your ascent route. For spectacular views across the National Park, take an exhilarating hike up Ben Lomond on the Ptarmigan Ridge or Tourist Route from Rowardennan. I've climbed this mountain a few times and my friends and I decided to climb Ben Lomond while the weather was still okay. Very hard though. On clear days trampers are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views. Police and traffic warden ticketed everyone! more, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. What companies run services between Glasgow, Scotland and Ben Lomond, Scotland? Best to get there early during peak season as Ben Lomond is always busy in summer. A great walk up a great Munro, altogether it took us 6hours and 30mins to get up and down Ben Lomond. Pass through a couple of gates before entering the woods, you’ll bear left and follow the stream. Park in the main parking lot and then cross the road to the trailhead. Stumbling down. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. ben lomond hike was really memorable. It's a pretty challenging 5-6. hour climb, but not excessively if you're reasonably fit. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. The road drives the east shores of Loch Lomond. After 16.9km arrive at the Rowardennan Hotel, where you can start the hike from if you are staying there, or a little over 200m later you’ll see the Ben Lomond car park. This is one of the best Scottish munro to climb as it rewards climbers with truly fantastic views of the whole of Loch Lomond. … We started the hike down at Ben Lomond car park by the Youth Hostel (£3 for a day) just off W Highland Way. 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