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Steep hill walk; scrambling extension

Ben Vorlich

985m Elevation
834m Prominence
Scotland Country
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Overview

Ben Vorlich rises to 985.3 m above the south shore of Loch Earn in the Southern Highlands. The usual ascent starts at Ardvorlich and climbs the north ridge to the summit trig point, with broad views across Loch Earn, the Highlands and central Scotland. Returning the same way gives a substantial hillwalk; continuing to Stuc a' Chroin adds steep rocky ground, scrambling and a rougher return.

Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn)

Overview

Ben Vorlich is a 985.3 m Munro above the south shore of Loch Earn, on the southern edge of the Highlands. Its familiar outline and wide views make it a rewarding hillwalk from Ardvorlich.

The Ardvorlich ascent

The usual route follows an estate track into Glen Vorlich, crosses the Coire Buidhe burn and climbs the north ridge. The upper path is steep and rocky. The summit is at the trig point; the separate cairn 125 m east-south-east is lower.

For an out-and-back walk, descend by the same route. Walking Britain describes a 9.8 km itinerary, including the eastern cairn, with an estimated time of 5 hours 40 minutes.

Continuing to Stuc a' Chroin

The two-Munro circuit descends west and south-west from Ben Vorlich to the intervening bealach. Stuc a' Chroin presents a much rougher ascent, including boulders and scrambling beside its steep buttress. The alternative western line is still steep. The return bypasses the buttress and contours across wet, eroded ground around Ben Vorlich to rejoin the Ardvorlich path.

Walkhighlands gives 14.5 km and 6–7 hours for its circuit. This is a more demanding outing than Ben Vorlich alone. Stuc a' Chroin is 973 m in the current DoBIH survey record.

Landscape and geology

Views take in Loch Earn, Ben Lawers to the north and Ben More to the west. Clear conditions reveal the contrast between the Highlands and the lower country towards Stirling and the Forth.

The mountain's metamorphosed sedimentary bedrock belongs to the Ben Ledi Grit Formation of the Dalradian Southern Highland Group, folded within the Tay Nappe.

Access and facilities

The start is at Ardvorlich on the south shore of Loch Earn, with informal roadside parking near the burn bridge. Leave entrances and passing places clear. Lochearnhead has places to stay, eat and drink. Buses serve Lochearnhead and St Fillans, but onward travel to the Ardvorlich start needs planning.

Conditions and safety

Allow for steep ground, loose stones, wind and poor visibility. The circuit's traversing paths can be boggy and indistinct. Snow and ice can hide the upper path and require winter skills and equipment; the Stuc a' Chroin buttress becomes expert winter mountaineering terrain.

Name and history

Ben Vorlich is commonly translated as 'hill of the bay'. The Cairngorm Club Journal documented an ascent from Ardvorlich in 1896, showing the long-established appeal of this Loch Earn mountain.

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

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Loch Katrine: Brenachoile Point Shore Walk from Trossachs Pier

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Route planning notes

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

Ben Vorlich from Ardvorlich (north ridge)

From Ardvorlich on Loch Earn's south shore, follow the estate track past the house, cross the Coire Buidhe burn and climb the north ridge to the trig point. Visit the lower eastern cairn, then retrace the outward route. Walking Britain gives 9.8 km and 5 hours 40 minutes for this steep hillwalk.

9.8 km Walking Britain: Moderate

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin from Ardvorlich

Climb Ben Vorlich by its north ridge, then descend west and south-west to the bealach. Continue over boulders and steep scrambling ground beside Stuc a' Chroin's buttress, then south to its summit. Return via the steep western bypass and the boggy traverse around Ben Vorlich to the Ardvorlich path. Walkhighlands gives 14.5 km and 6–7 hours. For experienced hillwalkers; much more serious in winter.

14.5 km Strenuous with scrambling
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

985m

3,233 ft

Prominence

834m

Coordinates

56.3427, -4.2195

NN629189

OS Map

57

Explorer: OL46N OL47W 365N 368W

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a trig point. A separate cairn 125 m east-south-east, at NN 63033 18865, is lower.

Terrain & Geology

Estate track constructed hill path heather and grassy slopes steep rocky upper ridge boggy traverses on the Stuc a' Chroin circuit

Ben Vorlich is formed from metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the Ben Ledi Grit Formation, part of the Dalradian Southern Highland Group. These include sandstone-derived rocks and finer-grained layers. The mountain lies within the down-turned hinge zone of the Tay Nappe.

Views & Scenery

Loch Earn below, Ben Lawers to the north, Ben More to the west and the contrast between the Highlands and central Scotland. In clear weather the outlook extends towards Stirling, the Forth estuary and the Pentland Hills.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name is commonly translated as 'hill of the bay'.

Historical Significance

An ascent from Ardvorlich is described in the Cairngorm Club Journal of 1896, recording walkers approaching from Lochearnhead and climbing via Glen Vorlich.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Informal roadside parking by the Ardvorlich Burn bridge on the south shore of Loch Earn, near NN633232. Spaces are limited; keep estate entrances, the road and passing places clear.

Public Transport

Buses serve Lochearnhead and St Fillans, but there is no regular bus to the Ardvorlich route start on the south shore. Plan the onward journey and check current timetables before travelling.

Nearby Facilities

Lochearnhead has accommodation and places to eat and drink. Carry what you need for the mountain; no staffed facilities are described on the ascent.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep upper slopes and loose or eroded sections of path can be slippery when wet.
  • The Stuc a' Chroin continuation involves steep rocky ground and scrambling; its bypass and descent are also steep.
  • The circuit return traverses wet, boggy ground where the path can be faint.
  • Strong wind, low cloud and cold can make exposed upper slopes harder to navigate.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice can cover the upper path and make the steep slopes serious winter terrain. Winter equipment and the skills to use it are needed when conditions demand; the Stuc a' Chroin buttress is an expert winter mountaineering undertaking.

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 Vorlich?

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

Are there other walkers around Ben Vorlich?

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 Vorlich search or of course create your own walk for Ben Vorlich

Can I organise a walk to Ben Vorlich?

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 Vorlich.

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 Vorlich?

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.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ben Vorlich here

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

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Location

Ben Vorlich location map

Grid reference: NN629189

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