Ben Lomond, standing at 974m/3196ft, is the most southerly of all the Munros across Scotland, and being less than an hours drive from Glasgow, it is understandably a popular first Munro for many starting their mountain walking careers. With spectacular views across Loch Lomond, the Southern Highlands and the Clyde, Ben Lomond is rightfully a walkers favourite.
Our walk starts on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond at the picturesque spot of Rowardennan. However, just getting to the start can be a little adventure of its own, whether you decide to drive the eastern shore road or take the small summer passenger ferry across the loch from Tarbet, it will certainly be a memorable start to the day. The famous West Highland Way also runs through Rowardennan. This is a 154km/96m bucket list trail from Milngavie near Glasgow, to Fort William in the western Highlands.
Many who tackle Ben Lomond do so via the 'tourist' path, going up and down the same route, however, we take on the mountain a little differently. From the start point at Rowardennan, we head North a short way along the main loch side track, before branching off up a small path, and we begin to climb almost immediately. This path takes us up a broad grassy ridge line known as the Ptarmigan Ridge, which lies to the West of the main summit. This route gives almost continuous views of Loch Lomond, the Luss Hills and the Arrochar Alps to the West, and helps turn the day in to a beautiful horseshoe walk.
As the path continues to climb more of the Highlands come in to view and an ever growing number of mountains fill the horizon to the North. Once we reach the apex of the Ptarmigan Ridge, we begin to turn East and make the final ascent to the summit of Ben Lomond. Once on the summit the eastern view, which has been hidden from us till now, comes in to sight, with the Loch Ard and Queen Elizabeth Forests and the Trossachs National Park now visible.
After a little time taking in the views at the summit we descent via the 'tourist' trail along the southern flank of Ben Lomond and eventually through the Rowardennan Forest before reaching the shore of Loch Lomond once again.
Many who tackle Ben Lomond do so via the 'tourist' path, going up and down the same route, however, we take on the mountain a little differently. From the start point at Rowardennan, we head North a short way along the main loch side track, before branching off up a small path, and we begin to climb almost immediately. This path takes us up a broad grassy ridge line known as the Ptarmigan Ridge, which lies to the West of the main summit. This route gives almost continuous views of Loch Lomond, the Luss Hills and the Arrochar Alps to the West, and helps turn the day in to a beautiful horseshoe walk.
As the path continues to climb more of the Highlands come in to view and an ever growing number of mountains fill the horizon to the North. Once we reach the apex of the Ptarmigan Ridge, we begin to turn East and make the final ascent to the summit of Ben Lomond. Once on the summit the eastern view, which has been hidden from us till now, comes in to sight, with the Loch Ard and Queen Elizabeth Forests and the Trossachs National Park now visible.
After a little time taking in the views at the summit we descent via the 'tourist' trail along the southern flank of Ben Lomond and eventually through the Rowardennan Forest before reaching the shore of Loch Lomond once again.
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Key Information: Group Size: Up to 8 Distance: 12km/7.5miles (route dependant). Ascent: 1000m Time: 4-6 hours |
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Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.