Ben Lomond: Hiking Guide – Everything You Need To Know

Ben Lomond is one of the most popular Munros to bag in Scotland. It is believed that between 30,000 and 50,000 people bag this Munro each year. 

I climbed Ben Lomond back in September 2021 and it was my 7th Munro that I bagged. The hike is considered a relatively moderate hike, which I do agree with. 

Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro in Scotland. The summit is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

At the summit, there are amazing views across Loch Lomond and the islands in the loch. Also, you can spot the peaks of other Munros including the Crianlarich Munros and Arrochar Alps. 

Overall, this hike is one of the easiest to navigate from the car park to the summit. There is a clear well maintained path along one side to Ben Lomond. 

Where is this hike?

Ben Lomond is located in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It is on the east side of Loch Lomond. 

The nearest village is Rowardennan where there are accommodation options. Also, Rowardennan is located on the shores of Loch Lomond. 

Rowardennan is at the end of an 11-mile road from the village of Drymen. You can also get to Ben Lomond by taking the Cruise Loch Lomond water bus which runs twice daily.

Ben Lomond Car Park is located on the shores of Loch Lomond and is one of the West Highland Way walking routes. From the centre of Glasgow, Ben Lomond is an hour and 10-minute drive.

Visiting Ben Lomond is a very popular day trip from Glasgow. The beginning of this walk can be reached by public transport.

Ben Lomond Car Park is one of the easiest starting points to reach from other towns and villages along the Central Belt in Scotland. Drymen is a small lovely village located 20 minutes drive from Ben Lomond Car Park. 

On the way to Ben Lomond, you will pass the popular village of Balmaha. Balmaha has a large car park, and food options and is the beginning point for Conic Hill.

At Ben Lomond Car Park there is a visitor centre, toilet facilities and you can get the chance to view Loch Lomond. There is a car parking charge and it does fill up quickly. 

How long is the hike?

The hike is 12 kilometres long, with a 6-kilometre climb to the summit. The most popular and easiest way to climb the Munro is to walk up the southern side of the Munro and return the same way. 

The time needed to climb Ben Lomond depends on what route you take, your fitness level and what the weather is like. As a very rough guide, the board suggests it takes between 4 to 6 hours to complete the hike. 

For keen and experienced hikers there is an opportunity to complete a circular route which takes you across the Ptarmigan Ridge. 

I climbed up the southern side of the Munro and returned on the same route in September 2021. The path was clear and the conditions were clear and it took me 4 and a half hours to complete.

It was approximately 2 hours and a 35-minute climb to the summit and almost two hours to descend down the same path.

Are the paths marked?

The paths from the car park to the summit are clearly marked. There are signs to the summit and some parts of the sections are rocky. 

On the alternate tougher route along the Ptarmigan Ridge, there are a greater number of rougher areas. 

At the beginning of the route, you will pass the information building and the initial climb features an excellent path through the oak woods. 

Be aware that in the winter months the paths made be blocked by snow, and trees or might be difficult to walk on due to the wetness, rain or ice. Navigation becomes worse in poor weather conditions and sometimes this can be unsafe and not fun. 

Is the trail suitable for beginners?

This trail is suitable for beginners. Ben Lomond is the most popular for first-time Munro Baggers. 

A lot of people have never tackled a Munro before deciding on Ben Lomond to be their first attempt. It is an attractive peak for those coming from Glasgow and other areas of the Central Belt. 

Minimal navigation and map reading is required. In clear conditions, you can follow the rough path to the summit without getting lost. 

The most popular route to the summit is called the red route. Meanwhile, the orange route is the path that leads you across Ptarmigan Ridge.

The climb is almost constant, steep in some sections but not to the point where you have to climb on your hands and knees.

This is also a popular route and there is a chance that you will meet a lot of other people on the way, so if you run into any bother hopefully there are people there to help you. 

How to get to the Munro?

To get to the Munro park your car at Ben Lomond Car Park in Rowardennan. Sometimes, in the summer especially the car park fills up quickly and the overspill car park is available. 

The overspill car park is located off West Highland Way and is a longer walk to the beginning of the route. The best way to get to the car park is to drive. 

On the route to Ben Lomond, you will pass Balmaha and Drymen, two small popular villages with great accommodation and food options. 

Route Description

Ascent

The route begins at the car park in Rowardennan. You can not see the mountain peak from the car park however you can walk to the metal jetty and get nice views across Loch Lomond. 

The path follows through from the car park to the information buildings and then climbs steadily through oak trees. The path reaches a track where there are signs for the overspill car park. 

Cross the track and follow the signs and steps upwards. There is a small bridge to cross and the first views of Loch Lomond begin to appear. 

There is a wide forest regeneration project here. Gradually, the trees disappear, the path becomes rockier and the route follows through a gate. 

The path leads onto the open hill. This path is extremely popular and by the 1990s the eroded path can be seen as far as Glasgow. 

Near The Summit

The summit of Ben Lomond is finally on its way. Continue up the shoulder of the mountain and admire the views of the impressive surrounding lochs in the national park. 

These lochs are Loch Lomond, Loch Chon and Loch Ard. The path reaches the rim of the eastern corrie. The trig point is reached, and the summit involves a path on the cliff edge. 

Descent

For the descents, you can follow the route that you came up. There are brilliant views of Loch Ard, Conic Hill and the islands in Loch Lomond. 

For an alternative, trickier descent you can follow the path that leads northwest and descends down a steep rocky slope. This route follows a knobbly ridge for much of the descent with lovely views across to Loch Lomond. 

Halfway down the ridge, you will be able to spot distinctive peaks such as the Cobbler and the rest of the Arrochar Alps. Stepping stones bridge the wettest areas.

The route back to the car park follows the ridge for almost two-thirds before descending below the crags and continuing on a direct route towards Rowardennan.  

Once you have passed through a gate, the path begins to descend more steeply. There are some trees at the top of the woodland and the path begins to follow alongside a burn. 

A small waterfall comes into view and the route continues through the woods until the road is reached. Once the road is reached, walk along the road which passes behind the Youth Hostel. 

Take the path to the right along the shore, this is the last section of the walk. There is a beautiful area where there is a modern war memorial sculpture by Doug Cocker of Dundee.

This area marks a memorial park to commemorate those who lost their lives for their country. The car park is only a short walk away from the memorial.

What to wear for this hike?

The best thing to wear on this hike is loose comfy clothing. The weather can change dramatically when walking and as you increase altitude there is more chance of it being windier and colder. 

Make sure to wear clothes like leggings, lose fitting trousers, T-shirts and jumpers. Also, it is important to bring a waterproof/ windbreaker jacket.

Footwear is extremely important when bagging Munros. I would recommend wearing trainers, hiking shoes or hiking boots. 

Many people use walking poles as they make the climb and descent much more effortless.

What to pack?

I would recommend packing many layers of clothing, thermal clothes are best. Also, it is important to bring plenty of water and snacks and always eat a good healthy meal before you head out to avoid feeling tired. 

In winter make sure to bring a head torch, gloves, a hat, scarf, gaiters and waterproof trousers. In the summer make sure to pack shorts, sun cream, a sun hat, midge repellent and sunglasses. 

Do not be fooled by the lack of sun in Scotland. It can still be enough to get burned on your face at high altitudes.

How long does it take to walk up and down Ben Lomond?

In nice clear conditions, Ben Lomond can be climbed in 4 hours. Most people will take 4.5 to 5.5 hours to climb to the summit. 

As a rough guide, I climbed to the summit of Ben Lomond in 2 hours and 35 minutes and made it back to the car park in approximately 2 hours. 

Can a beginner climb Ben Lomond?

The trail and path up to the peak of Ben Lomond are well-maintained and easy to follow. It is one of the most popular Munros to bag for beginners. 

Over 30,000 people climb Ben Lomond each year, many of these people have never completed a Munro before or have only completed a few.  

Is Ben Lomond a hard walk?

Ben Lomond is considered to be one of the easiest Munros to bag. There is a clear path to the summit with some signs along the way. 

The difficulty of the walk depends on the weather conditions and the fitness of the person who is completing it. 

How long does it take to hike Ben Lomond Peak?

In nice clear conditions, the walk can be completed by an average hiker in 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Take into consideration the weather conditions before you set off on your hike as this may affect the time it takes to complete your hike. 

Final Note

Ben Lomond is one of the most familiar and popular Munros to climb in Scotland. This post lists everything I know about the Ben Lomond hike.

There are dramatic views across Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, the Arrochar Alps and other parts of the west coast of Scotland. 

Along the route, there are woodlands, fields, peatland and moorland. In the high grounds look out for crags and steep slopes. 

The peaks reaches 974 metres in height and the views from the trig point are spectacular. Walking up the popular ‘tourist’ route or completing the circuit via Ptarmigan Ridge, make sure to always look back and admire the views.

Ben Lomond is in a unique location near the Highland Fault Line. Therefore, you can witness the changes in the landscape from the lowland scenery to the mountainous highlands. 

People do attempt to cycle Ben Lomond, however, it is not the easiest Munro to cycle. Also, there are usually many people on the mountain and it is hard to move around the people.