Climb Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond Summit

This practical guide, updated in late 2022, contains all the helpful information you want to climb Ben Lomond. In addition, we answer all the likely questions you may have about Ben Lomond with links to other guides and websites, including our photo guide to the footpath.

How was your Ben Lomond experience?

Please comment at the bottom of the page, as we'd love to know how your Ben Lomond walk was, especially if you have practical suggestions for other walkers from your experiences.

How High is Ben Lomond?

A Munro is a mountain over 3,000 feet high. There are 282 Munros in Scotland, and Ben Lomond is the most southerly of them. Its height is 3,196 feet, 974 metres. See our guide to the highest peaks in the National Park.

How long is the Ben Lomond Trail?

The distance is 11km (7 miles).

How long does it take to climb Ben Lomond?

It takes between 4.5 and 6 hours to walk Ben Lomond. Running is anything from 90 minutes.

What is the Ben Lomond trail like? 

Many of our readers like it when we publish photographs of paths so they can see what to expect; whilst there are a few on this guide, we have recently added a new photo guide of the trail, plus we've also published a list of places of the best views of Ben Lomond.

 

Where is Ben Lomond?

Ben Lomond is on the east side of Loch Lomond at Rowardennan, which is at the end of an 11-mile dead-end road from the village of Drymen (there are no busses on that road beyond Balmaha.) Cruise Loch Lomond runs twice daily sailings by their water bus from Tarbet on the west side of Loch Lomond. Check their website for details of the Ben Lomond Rambler water bus. Rowardennan is on the route of the West Highland Way (more about that soon.)

How to navigate to Ben Lomond?

There appears to be a problem when using Satnav to get to Ben Lomond as we frequently meet drivers who end up at Loch Chon in the Trossachs rather than Rowadennan, where the Ben Lomond Car Park is. You can see Ben Lomond from Loch Chon, but it's a long hike/journey to get to it!

For navigation by road, go first to Drymen, then follow the B839 from the village, passing Balmaha and the lochside, driving until the end of the road at Rowardennan. Note the road is narrow in places. If you are using Satnav, just enter Rowardennan rather than Ben Lomond.

What parking is there for Ben Lomond?

Forestry and Land Scotland has a car park for Ben Lomond at Rowardennan; please note that this quickly fills. Also, if the car parks are full in Balmaha and Rowardennan, the police will close the road. So the best advice is to go early and don't park illegally. If you do, you could receive a ticket and, more seriously, prevent emergency vehicles from getting into Rowardennan, which has sadly happened in the past.

Recently Forestry and Land Scotland have introduced a large overflow car on the right just before you reach Rowardennan. A pathway to Ben Lomond leads from the back of that car park.

Ben Lomond Overflow Car Park

How much does it cost to park at Ben Lomond?

The car park will cost you £5 to park for the day. Note it only takes coins. No cards or apps can currently be used, so ensure you have sufficient change. There is no charge (at present) for the overflow car park.

How many people climb Ben Lomond each year?

Around 50,000 people climb Ben Lomond annually. This number is on the up, from around 40,000 per year pre-Covid.

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What is at Rowardennan?

Rowardennan is on the West Highland Way and has a Youth Hostel, Hotel, camping pitches, B&B and glamping. We've blogged about the West Highland Way path from Balmaha to Rowardennan and Rowardennan to Inversnaid. See also our guide to Rowardennan.

East Loch Lomond Camping

Where to camp near Ben Lomond?

Our guide to camping along the Eastern shores of Loch Lomond is helpful as there are restrictions on where you can pitch your tent due to the camping bylaws. In that guide, we recommend a beautiful hidden spot to camp near Rowardennan that you can pre-book.

How difficult is it to climb Ben Lomond?

It's a strenuous but achievable climb. The path (as we will go into greater detail) is very good. However, as with any walk, you should take extra care after rainfalls and cold conditions.  

Can I cycle on Ben Lomond?

There aren’t any rules that prevent you from cycling on Ben Lomond; I’ve seen some attempt it and fall off, though, as it’s not the easiest. So not something that is recommended.

What should I take on my Ben Lomond climb?

Like any lengthy walk, be prepared, and have plenty of water, food, and layers of clothing. On some days, the temperature can be highly variable at different points. Good walking boots are recommended, although we see many with trainers! Also, consider walking poles, as they make climbing and the descent much more effortless.  

Wear sunscreen and smidge (midge repellent), and bring snacks/lunch. You could stock up at The Village Shop in Balmaha, next to the Oak Tree Inn (the last shop before Rowardennan.)

Ben Lomond Path

Are there public toilets for Ben Lomond?

There are toilets in the car park at Rowardennan. If you use the overflow car park, you won't pass these.

When is the best time to climb Ben Lomond?

Views are even more dramatic at sunrise and sunset. On busy weekends I suggest heading off around 9.30 am when the car parks shouldn't be full. Any later, and you risk the road being closed (on the busiest and warmest days). This timing works well as you can have your lunch at the summit.

Do note that Ben Lomond's summit can be covered in cloud; it's happened to me a few times and is frustrating. So, choose a clear day to ensure good visibility at the top.

Can I walk my dog on Ben Lomond?

Yes, you can bring your dog. You will see signs requesting you keep your dog on a lead, as it can frighten animals grazing on the mountain. Please do follow these rules as, sadly, there have been issues in recent years.

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Ben Lomond Path Views

What is the route to climb Ben Lomond?

Our photo guide will show you the views along the path during the ascent; click here to see that guide. But, first, the route takes you through the forest, and then once that clears, you will start to get excellent elevated views of Loch Lomond and its islands. Note that there are different paths from each car park (main and overflow), but these converge.

There are some steep sections on this strenuous climb, but you can take your time, pause to catch your breath, and take some photographs. As you get higher, you will get some fantastic views of Loch Katrine and the Trossachs, plus Tarbet, Loch Sloy and the Arrochar Alps.

Ben Lomond Path & Views

Ben Lomond Summit

You can even see Ben Nevis from the summit on a very clear day. It's excellent meeting fellow walkers, often from all over the world and enjoying the shared experience of the climb together.

Who owns Ben Lomond?

The National Trust for Scotland owns and manages Ben Lomond on the nation's behalf. The Ben Lomond rangers (together with volunteers) have done an excellent job on the pathway, which was previously struggling from the high footfall and people deviating from the main path.

How was your Ben Lomond climb?

Please leave comments to tell us about your Ben Lomond experience. We'd also love to read any additional tips you may have for people planning to climb Ben Lomond.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.