NN7730 : Broken fence and distant hills
Moderate via Glen Lednock in summer

Ben Chonzie

930m Elevation
647m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN7730 : Broken fence and distant hills

Lis Burke Photo source

Overview

Ben Chonzie (930.4 m) is a Perthshire Munro above Glen Lednock and Loch Turret. The usual approach starts at Coishavachan near Comrie; the Loch Turret circuit is a longer outing with steep and pathless ground. A broad, exposed summit and indistinct upper paths make sound navigation important, particularly on descent.

Ben Chonzie

Ben Chonzie rises to 930.4 m above the moorland between Glen Lednock and Glen Turret in Perthshire. Its rounded profile hides a steeper eastern face, with cliffs above the head of Loch Turret. The summit has a stone cairn/shelter and wide views: in clear weather, look north-west towards the Ben Lawers range and down into Glen Turret.

Choose an approach

The usual ascent is an out-and-back walk from Coishavachan in Glen Lednock, reached from Comrie. Allow 4–5 hours for the published 12.5 km return route. An estate track gives way to a moorland path on the upper slopes. The last section follows fence posts, but the path can be indistinct and the return turn towards the track needs attention.

The Loch Turret circuit is a different, longer outing. It starts beside the dam, follows the reservoir's east side and continues past Lochan Uaine to the col north-east of the summit. After climbing Ben Chonzie, it returns via Meall na Seide and Carn Chois. Walking Britain's published circuit is 16.3 km with a guide time of 7 hours. It includes steep and pathless terrain; do not confuse it with the shorter Loch Turret out-and-back along the north-east ridge.

Navigation and conditions

On this broad, exposed hill, low cloud can remove the features that make a clear-weather ascent look straightforward. Decide on your return route before leaving the summit and check your direction against a map. Different fence lines head away from the summit area; none substitutes for navigation skills. Keep clear of the steep eastern face rather than aiming directly down towards the reservoir.

Wet ground and burns can slow progress. Snow or ice changes the demands substantially, and snow can conceal paths and create cornices above steep ground. Carry a map and compass you can use, a navigation backup, warm and waterproof layers, food and water. Choose a route that suits the conditions and your experience.

Access

For Glen Lednock, the parking area is at Coishavachan (NN743273). The Loch Turret approach uses the car park below the dam (NN821264). Keep entrances and access tracks clear, and follow signs and reasonable local guidance. Invergeldie's current access information welcomes hill users while deer management takes place throughout the year.

Comrie has bus connections with Crieff and Perth, but reaching the Glen Lednock start still requires an onward journey. Plan that connection and the return before setting off.

Landscape and name

NatureScot's Ben Chonzie SSSI citation describes calcium-rich schist and a valuable mixture of upland habitats, rare plants and breeding birds. The site was first notified in 1972 and re-notified in 1983. Avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging the fragile vegetation.

The Gaelic origin of Chonzie is debated. One interpretation is Beinn Chòinnich, meaning mossy hill.

Explore routes near Ben Chonzie

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Crieff: Lady Mary's Walk and the River Earn

5.2 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Kenmore: Drummond Hill Black Rock Trail above Loch Tay

4.6 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Killin: Falls of Dochart, Finlarig and Moirlanich Longhouse

6.5 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Aberfeldy: Glassie Woodland and River Tay Circular

7.5 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ben Chonzie via Glen Lednock (out and back)

Start at Coishavachan in Glen Lednock (NN743273), near Invergeldie. Follow the estate track by the Invergeldie Burn, then the upper path and fence line to the summit. Return the same way, taking care to find the turn from the fence line back towards the track. Walkhighlands gives 12.5 km and 4–5 hours for this return walk; the estate also quotes 12.5 km and 4–5 hours.

Moderate mountain walk in summer; navigation needed on the open upper slopes

Ben Chonzie and Carn Chois from Loch Turret (circuit)

From the Loch Turret dam car park (NN821264), take the east-shore track beyond the reservoir and pass Lochan Uaine to reach the col north-east of Ben Chonzie. Turn south-west to the summit. The circuit descends across Meall na Seide and continues over Carn Chois before returning below Beinn Liath to the dam. Walking Britain gives 16.3 km and 7 hours for this itinerary. Steep and pathless ground makes this a more demanding route than Glen Lednock.

Moderate/hard mountain circuit; experienced navigation required
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

930m

3,052 ft

Prominence

647m

Coordinates

56.4539, -3.9921

NN773308

OS Map

51 52

Explorer: OL47W 368W 379W

At the Summit

A stone cairn/shelter marks the summit area on a broad, exposed moorland ridge. The surveyed summit grid reference is NN 77326 30850.

Terrain & Geology

Estate tracks heather moorland boggy or indistinct upper paths broad exposed summit ridge steep and pathless sections on the Loch Turret circuit

NatureScot identifies calcium-rich schist at Ben Chonzie. The rocks support distinctive upland plant communities, including vegetation on the east-facing cliffs above Glen Turret.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views extend north-west towards the Ben Lawers range and down towards Loch Turret and the surrounding Perthshire hills.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The Gaelic origin is debated. One interpretation is Beinn Chòinnich, meaning 'mossy hill'.

Historical Significance

Ben Chonzie is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its upland habitats, rare plants and breeding birds. NatureScot records first notification in 1972 and re-notification in 1983.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

For Glen Lednock, use the parking area at Coishavachan near Invergeldie, NN743273. It is opposite the old school at the start of the track; the signed Old School is a different property farther down the glen. For the Loch Turret approach, use the car park below the dam, NN821264. Park without blocking entrances or estate access, and follow any signs on arrival.

Public Transport

Comrie is the nearest bus-served village for the Glen Lednock approach, with connections to Crieff and Perth. An onward journey to Coishavachan is needed. Check current timetables and arrange the outward and return connection in advance.

Nearby Facilities

Obtain supplies in Comrie or Crieff before heading into the glens. Carry food and drinking water for the whole walk; the summit stone shelter is no substitute for suitable clothing and equipment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Low cloud makes navigation difficult on the broad summit and upper moorland. Different fence lines lead away from the summit area; check the direction of your planned descent.
  • On the Glen Lednock return, identify where to leave the fence line and regain the outward path towards the estate track.
  • The Loch Turret circuit includes steep and pathless ground. Keep clear of the eastern cliffs and avoid a direct descent towards the reservoir.
  • Boggy ground can be slippery, and burns may become difficult to cross after heavy rain. The exposed upper slopes offer little protection from strong wind and cold.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow can conceal paths and navigation features and create cornices above steep ground. Hard snow or ice may require an ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them. Allow for shorter daylight and check mountain weather and snow conditions before setting out.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Chonzie?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Chonzie through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Chonzie?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Chonzie search or of course create your own walk for Ben Chonzie

Can I organise a walk to Ben Chonzie?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben Chonzie.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Chonzie?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

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The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Ben Chonzie location map

Grid reference: NN773308

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