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3,196 ft · Southern Highlands, Scotland

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is a 3,196 ft peak in the Southern Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Tourist Path: 7 mi, 3,250 ft of gain, Class 1.

Ben Lomond in the Southern Highlands, Scotland

Ben Lomond at a glance

  • Elevation3,196 ft974 m
  • RouteTourist PathClass 1
  • Distance7 mi3,250 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Oct
  • RangeSouthern HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Tourist Path

From Drymen, take the B837 through Balmaha and follow the narrow lochside road to its end. Start from the Rowardennan car park, which charges a fee and fills early on weekends. Walk through the information building and follow the Tourist Path up through oak woods, onto the open shoulder of Sron Aonaich and up the final stone-pitched zigzags to the summit ridge. The route is Class 1 on a constructed path. Cloud and wind can arrive fast on the upper ridge. Expect crowds in summer. The Ptarmigan ridge makes a steeper, rockier descent. A summer ferry crosses from Tarbet.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Low visibility
  • High winds
  • Slippery terrain

Quests with Ben Lomond

Peaks near Ben Lomond

  1. Beinn Narnain

    Beinn Narnain

    3,041 ft · 6.5 mi away

  2. Ben Vane

    Ben Vane

    3,004 ft · 7.0 mi away

  3. Ben Vorlich

    Ben Vorlich

    3,094 ft · 7.4 mi away

  4. Beinn Ìme

    Beinn Ìme

    3,317 ft · 7.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Ben Lomond?

Ben Lomond is 3,196 feet (974 m) tall. It is in the Southern Highlands, Scotland.

How does Ben Lomond rank among the Munros?

At 3,196 feet, Ben Lomond is the 183rd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Ben Lomond?

The Tourist Path is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 7 miles with 3,250 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Ben Lomond?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Tourist Path, covering 7 miles with 3,250 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Ben Lomond?

Usually, if you are fit. The Tourist Path is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Ben Lomond?

The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Ben Lomond?

The Tourist Path starts at about 60 feet, roughly 3,136 feet below the summit.

Climb Ben Lomond with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list