Like any mountain, it is generally quicker coming down than it is going up. I mentioned previously the necessity for layers. There are 282 munros in Scotland and Ben Lomond is the most southerly of them. Ben Lomond stands at 3195feet/974metres and is peak number 184 in the Munro heights table. There is one in Scotland, which the New Zealand one was named after. is) had given me a VERY eerie “get out” kinda vibe so I was in no rush to return. How long is the Ben Lomond Track? Best time to climb Ben Lomond? Ben Lomond is a mountain. It's a pretty challenging 5-6 hour climb, but not excessively if you're reasonably fit. The Orange route was much more impressive views-wise and included walking past some really awesome drop-offs and even past a small body of water high not far from the top. If you are planning on visiting Loch Lomond this year (which you definitely should be!) If you skip the first part and start walking from the top of the gondola, it takes 4-6 hours. I will of course have proper gear with me. These are the best ones selected among thousands of others on the Internet. Thank you for subscribing, we will send you an e-mail shortly to confirm your subscription. The peak rises to 974m and the views from the trig point at the summit are truly spectacular. We drove this in our campervan that we converted and didn’t have any trouble getting up and down. These are locations where small wooden/stone houses used to be where local farmers lived. Many of the guide books estimate 30,000 annual walkers, although speaking to one of the rangers he told me that he thinks it's in excess of 40,000 now. It’s actually quite a nice drive and there are a few different cafes and pubs to stop off at the whole way up; such as the Oak Tree Inn & Clansman Bar. Due to it's proximity to Glasgow, Ben Lomond is probably one of the busiest mountains in Scotland. Especially if you choose to take the Orange Route back down like we did. Good walking boots and appropriate socks are highly reccomended. Based on my experience, this route definitely is more tricky and requires you to traverse more wet and slippery sections of rocks. The Basics of Ben Lomond. The elevation provides an excellent view of Loch Lomond and its islands. So allow 5 hours for the walk in total. And it just so happens that one of the best spots is the Ben Lomond car park which allows you to stay overnight. 363031 bear right to climb some 600 feet up 3 rock ‘steps’ to summit of Ben Lomond (367028). All you had to do was leave money in the box on the wall; I’m not sure if they offer this all year round so don’t rely on it. This route hugs the loch-side of the mountain very closely so you get views almost the whole way up and down Loch Lomond. I'm an Economics graduate with a passion for travel. Situated next to the east shore of Loch Lomond no peaks with a similar height are in the direct surroundings. On a good day the path to the top will be busy, so an early start for us was a must! Your support goes a long way. The Ben Lomond Track is the fifth most popular search and rescue location in the country George Driver 26 October 2018 26 Oct '18. The grade here is generally uphill, but with a little up and down. Ben Lomond is only 4m lower than Scafell Pike, so I thought Ben Lomond would be a better climb since S.P. August 08, 2017 Grace WANG from New Zealand Hi, I am planning to climb to the Ben Lomond summit around mid of October. From the top of the gondola the track is 11 km long. Ben Lomond is Scotland’s most southerly Munro and stands tall above Loch Lomond at a height of 974m/3196ft. Parking is in the Forestry Commission car park, cost is £3 for the day. If you do this hike, you will be walking up a mountain (or at least part of it). Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. Ben Lomond is one of the most popular Munros, rewarding the people who make it to the top with fantastic views of the length of Loch Lomond and far into the hills to the north and the Trossachs to the east. The climb takes you through a forest. Share with friends. Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown Approaching Ben Lomond. How long does it take to climb Ben Lomond? The total route can take around 4.5-6 hours on average. Cruise Loch Lomond run twice daily sailings by their water bus from Tarbet on the west side of Loch Lomond. My recommendation for staying in Rowardennan is this B&B, click for link. Frequently Asked Questions about Ben A’an How long does it take to climb Ben A’an? However, if you are up for it then I’d definitely recommend doing both paths as a part of your Ben Lomond climb. It also means you can get a head start up the mountain before it gets busy. As far as I am aware, Ben Lomond is open all year round. You can only imagine how brutal living in one of these must have been at times! They have electronic measuring systems so that is probably quite accurate and shows the growing popularity of the walk. Setting off at that time you should get to the summit just before 12pm, ideal for lunch (with a view) at the top. If you’re keen to save about an hours worth of hiking through the forest, you can take the Skyline Gondola up through the Ben Lomond … Ben Lomond: Hard climb but worth it - See 221 traveler reviews, 267 candid photos, and great deals for Rowardennan, UK, at Tripadvisor. The descent was completed before 2pm. I climbed in October and for the final half of the way up the mountain there wasn’t much in the way of a view. Compared to the other Munros in Scotland (mountains above 3000 feet / 914 metres), Ben Lomond is probably very straightforward. I'm a novice hill walker and just wondered how safe it is to climb Ben Lomond at the moment? The time needed to climb Ben Lomond depends on a few things, such as … Which route you take up and down; Your fitness level; What the weather is like; But as a very rough guide, the boards suggest that it takes between 2-4 hours each way. You’ll may even need more suitable gear, so it’s best to seek some advice from those more experienced. The final portion of this route to the summit is the trickiest, with about a hundred or so metres of rocks you must climb down in order to get to the main path. If you're planning to climb it here is some practical information which I hope you find useful. However, if you were to get lucky I can only imagine how incredible the views must be! To climb Ben Lomond head to Rowardennan on the east side of Loch Lomond. You'll find me working out of a cafe in Bali, perhaps on a riverboat in Brazil or maybe even an airport lounge in New Delhi. Or how..." | Check out answers, plus see 210 reviews, articles, and 246 photos of Ben Lomond on Tripadvisor. Wild camping in Scotland was by far one of the most memorable parts of our entire 2 month long visit. Ben Lomond is the most prominent mountain in the North Ogden area. It’s proximity to Glasgow and the central belt makes it a very popular climb. We will leave from the Hospice and drive up to the foot of Ben Lomond to embark on our climb. It is known as a Munro, because it has a height of over 975 metres. The mountain has many rocky outcrops and 3 summits. The persistent ducks of Queenstown. Day parking costs £3 for all day and there are toilet facilities there. Over this distance, you climb 1060 heightmeters. This is one of the best Scottish munro to climb as it rewards climbers with truly fantastic views of the whole of Loch Lomond. If you don’t receive it please check your spam folder. Registered in Scotland SC503836. The highest point has a height of 974m and can be climbed within 2.5 hours in good weather conditions. There is nowhere to buy food or drink on the way up the mountain, except for a small stall outside of someone's home. To climb Ben Lomond head to Rowardennan on the east side of Loch Lomond. The average percentage thus is 5.9 %. From the Skyline Gondola to the Ben Lomond Saddle and back is … As you move from the forest into more open ground you will come to the start of the area that is looked after by the National Trust, this is clearly marked. Before you hike you will easily be able to see the peak along with the ridge you will be walking to the southeast. But you should definitely check the weather forecast and speak to some locals before doing the walk if you are there in winter. Would I encounter any real difficulties at this time of year? When I did the walk, I saw perhaps 3 or 4 dozen other people doing the walk and 90%+ of them were going up and down the Red route. Or how..." | Check out answers, plus see 221 reviews, articles, and 267 photos of Ben Lomond on Tripadvisor. This entire region is surrounded by incredible mountains, all just begging to be climbed. It’s at the very end of a long rural road running up alongside the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. There is one main car park for Ben Lomond, located here. It's height is 3,196 feet, 974 metres. I didn't really take any breaks; except for 5 minutes at the top and a few picture breaks on the way back down. Ben Vorlich has a height of 943m and is situated north of the Arrochar Alps. I've climbed this mountain a few times and my friends and I decided to climb Ben Lomond while the weather was still okay. The peak of Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) takes the form of a north-south ridge with three small summits. Don’t forget to subscribe below to receive our monthly See Loch Lomond e-newsletter. They advise that the total route can take between 4 to 6 hours, so be sure to take plenty of food and water with you. This view comes just after passing the Skyline complex at the top of the gondola. Here's a look at my wonderful experience hiking Ben Lomond. In 2016 I decided to ditch the office environment, work from my laptop and travel to every country in the world. Even if you don’t plan on hiking all the way up to the Ben Lomond Summit, just completing the Ben Lomond Saddle is worth the climb! At 4 miles, you've climbed 2,100 vertical feet, and the trail crosses to the west side of the ridge. The night we stayed we decided to get dinner from the pub located right next to the car park. But the biggest and best is Ben Lomond, a relatively moderate hike destined to offer the best possible views of the gorgeous Loch below. Combined with the Tiki Trail, the Ben Lomond Track is 14 km long. I am planning to take gondola and climb Ben Lomond for another 2 hours (one way) on 15 May 2019. It may lack the high altitude characteristics of the higher peaks to the south, but the scenery is outstanding, and the relatively gentle grade of the hike make it a great hike if you're in the mood for a long but pretty walk. Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land. Around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs you can get some magnificent views of Ben Lomond, here are a few of my favourites. Read more. The maximum slope is 9.7%. It is projects like this one that help to keep the paths in such good condition. He said he has climbed 5 times now and has never had a view from the top. Or 4-6 hours round trip. How to safely climb Ben Lomond peak. I quickly decided that I was going to do the Red route up and the Orange route down, as I’ve never been much of a fan of walking the same route twice. You can take the gentler option and grab a scenic ride up the Skyline Gondola, saving yourself a 450 metre (1476 feet) climb up a series of switchbacks in the mostly pine forest like on our 'Manuka' trip, or you can hike from Queenstown like on our 'Tui' trip the way the locals usually do it. Be prepared, have plenty of water and layers of clothing. was an abortive mission back in February due to flooding and the whole of Wasdale (where S.P. If the Ben Lomond hike is a bit too long or difficult for you, consider hiking Queenstown Hill instead! The time needed to climb Ben Lomond depends on a few things, such as …. I've also included some photographs taken on my recent climb. Ben Lomond Saddle . Rowardennan is approached by car (there are no busses) via an 11 mile dead-end road from the village of Drymen. I climbed Ben Lomond in October 2020, and was fortunate enough to be blessed by wonderful weather and even a Scottish hiking companion on the route back down. Ben Lomond mountain is a very popular hike in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views. You climb to a total of 974 metres above sea level, and much of the Red trail is well-trodden and very clear. Cruise Loch Lomond run twice daily sailings by their water bus from Tarbet on the west side of Loch Lomond. Views of the Ben Lomond summit from the trail. On our trip we saw a Thistle Camp and Trailblazers team hard at work, this is an initiative to get young volunteers from around the world to have a holiday in Scotland, whilst contributing to conservation projects. Ben Lomond (974m, Munro 183) Ascent: 975m (3,200ft) Distance : 11km (7m) Time: walking : 4:20hr* running : 1:30hr *Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent : Start/finish : Rowardennan (grid ref : … A munro is a mountain over 3,000 feet high. The views as you head down are superb, once of course you clear the cloud. Ben Lomond (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Laomainn, 'Beacon Mountain'), 974 metres (3,196 ft), is a mountain in the Scottish Highlands.Situated on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, it is the most southerly of the Munros.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. You'll climb another 500 feet over the next 2.7 miles. Any equipment I should bring along? As you climb the footpath beyond the forest you start to see the excellent view emerging over your shoulder. Ben Lomond and Ben Vorlich across the loch are both designated as SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) with species that include black grouse, ptarmigan, upland waders, eagle, pine marten, red deer, mountain hare and water vole. It’s practically in the city, but still sufficiently challenging and offers a great scenic view of the area from Lake Wakatipu, Arthur’s Point and Queenstown.It doesn’t take much effort to get on this hike – the trailhead starts just 10 minutes walk from Queenstown city center. ©2021 Paul Saunders Media & Photography Ltd. First up, here’s a few teaser pics from my walkÂ. For my walk I set off just after 9am, as I was walking on a Sunday I knew that the car park would quickly fill. Although the central one is the highest at 943m, the southern top is marked with a trig point. How to visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Bridge), Driving the Southwest Coastal 300 in Scotland. The north Loch Lomond area is characterised by a vast and open sense of place and long dramatic vistas. It took me about 2 hours and 15 minutes to get up and about an hour and 45 minutes to come down, so the 4 hour guideline was spot on. Currently the Forestry Commission are cutting down trees infected by a disease, they are planting replacements. Oh yeah, and a waterproof bag as well as you don’t want all of your clothes getting soaked! As we got close to the summit we met the mountain bikers, who had already experienced mixed fortunes with the first part of their descent. Located between Loch Lomond and Loch Sloy, the mountain offers fantastic views on the surrounding area. Descend by obvious southward track over Sron Aonaich, back to … But as a very rough guide, the boards suggest that it takes between 2-4 hours each way. There is a small visitor centre here that has a re-creation of one of these old structures, as well as a map of the routes you can walk. Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. The walk back down was lovely as, once you slowly descend from the mist and clouds, you are slowly greeted by ever-more mesmerising views. When we left the car park it was very warm, however sadly there was a thick cloud base from just over half way up the mountain. There is a shorter walk that takes about 45 minutes round trip, that takes you on a tour of some old sites. This climb belongs to the Ben Lomond. There are two routes heading to and from the summit of Ben Lomond. Visit Paul’s other websites, Paul Saunders Marketing & Paul Saunders Photography, for his marketing, photography & video services in Loch Lomond and beyond. Some basic navigation skills are necessary to climb this mountain. Ben Lomond, Rowardennan: "How long does it take to hike Ben Lomond? Ben Lomond Memorial Park is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Here’s a look at my experience, and any tips for climbing Ben Lomond that I picked up along the way. Throughout your ascent you will see the well kept pathways of the mountain. This article and accompanying photographs are by Paul Saunders for See Loch Lomond. The climb is very sociable and you meet a number of walkers, we even met a couple of mountain bikers! Take care on the descent, by the time you get close to the starting point your legs feel like jelly! There is a toilet block, with some information panels nearby. Rowardennan is approached by car (there are no busses) via an 11 mile dead-end road from the village of Drymen. Ben Lomond is the most southerly munro in Scotland. Ben Lomond is certainly one of the most enjoyable climbs in the northern Wasatch, in fact, I would say it is the best peak climb in that region. How long does it take to climb Ben Lomond? Ben Lomond, Rowardennan: "How long does it take to hike Ben Lomond? It takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete the ascent and descent of Ben Aan, depending on how long you linger at the top to admire the views (and we recommend that you do)! … Fondest memory: Hiking the Ben Lomond Track. Known as one of the easiest mountains to climb, you can begin your journey at the Ben Lomond visitor centre. The Ben Lomond is situated in Tasmania. Ben Lomond Saddle is one of the most stunning views in all of New Zealand. We stayed here for one night and it was wonderful waking up early with no one around and wonderful views down Loch Lomond. You could time your climb to watch the sun rise or set. Thanks to the cloud at the summit there wasn't any view to be had. Please feel free to comment below, tell me about your experience climbing Ben Lomond, also share the article on social media. The saddle is 1,326m high and the summit is 1,748m high. I definitely recommend taking the time to walk up Ben Lomond if you find yourself in the area, if nothing else it definitely feels like an achievement getting back to the car park! Check out our blog all about the Queenstown Hill Walk! This took away the warmth and more sadly any kind of view. Unsurprising as, though it’s slightly longer, it is more gradual and doesn’t require you to traverse any rocks. Located on the east side of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond is easy to access through the small village of Rowardennan. Rowardennan is on the West Highland Way, with a Youth Hostel and Hotel. Located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and situated on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond itself, the peak is the southern most Munro in Scotland. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Scotland and climb Ben Lomond, you can almost guarantee there will be rain or drizzle.Â. The Ben Lomond via Upper Blessington is ranked number of the Ben Lomond. Is Ben Aan dog-friendly? Staying overnight here also offered me the chance to discover some of the other sites around Ben Lomond. From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher as it approaches Ben Lomond's 1,748m summit. 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