Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond rises above Loch Lomond's eastern shore in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Scotland's most southerly Munro is 973.7 metres high, conventionally rounded to 974 metres, with 820 metres of prominence. A trig point stands close to the summit; the Database of British and Irish Hills identifies the highest rock outcrop about four metres southeast of it. In clear conditions the outlook takes in the loch, its islands and the surrounding Highlands. DoBIH · National Park guide

Choosing a route

The usual start is Rowardennan car park, grid reference NS359986. The maintained main path climbs through woodland and follows the broad Sròn Aonaich shoulder before steepening towards the summit. Returning the same way is the simpler option. The National Trust for Scotland estimates about 13 km and 4–6 hours for this specific return walk and grades it hard. Popularity and a good path do not remove the need for mountain fitness, navigation and suitable equipment. NTS main-path guide

A circuit can ascend the main path and descend the Ptarmigan ridge. Walkhighlands gives approximately 12 km, 990 metres of ascent and 4.5–5.5 hours for its itinerary. Ptarmigan has much steeper, rougher ground, including rocky upper sections and wet lower ground. The reverse circuit is another option, but the figures here are tied to the published main-ascent/Ptarmigan-descent itinerary. Walkhighlands route

The Ardess Lodge card is a variation of these paths whose exact start, connections and distance have not been verified. The eastern approach via Loch Chon and Comer is a separate, strenuous option involving pathless mountain ground. It is not a northwest approach joining Ptarmigan. Neither card is a complete navigational itinerary. Walkhighlands hill guide

Getting there

Rowardennan is at the end of the road along the east shore, reached via Drymen and Balmaha. The car park is operated by Forestry and Land Scotland and parking is charged. There is no bus to Rowardennan. Limited seasonal boat services may provide access from the opposite shore; check sailings and the last return before planning a mountain day. Public toilets are seasonal, and local hotel or hostel services depend on opening hours. Bring the day's supplies. Check FLS visitor information for current facilities and charges, and its hill-path notices for temporary work or closures.

Landscape and history

Ben Lomond's Dalradian metamorphic rocks include schistose sedimentary rocks. Ice erosion helped shape the steep corries, including those northeast of the summit. This is not accurately described as a mountain chiefly of granite and volcanic rock. Geological Society of Glasgow · British Geological Survey report

NTS interprets the mountain's name as 'Beacon Mountain', although the origin and reason for the name are debated. The surrounding landscape contains traces of older settlement and seasonal grazing. It became a national war memorial landscape in 1995; Doug Cocker's memorial sculpture stands near the loch at Rowardennan. NTS history · Place-name discussion · National Memorial Park

Safety and responsible access

The upper path passes close to steep corrie edges. Poor visibility, strong winds and slippery rock can make either route considerably harder. Snow and ice require appropriate winter skills and equipment; Ptarmigan can become a serious winter undertaking. Check the mountain forecast, carry reliable navigation and emergency supplies, and leave enough daylight for the descent. NTS mountain advice

The mountain is an SSSI with important upland plant communities. Keep to maintained paths to reduce erosion, leave no litter, and follow current access notices. NTS requests dogs on leads to protect livestock and wildlife. NatureScot citation · NTS visitor guidance