Yak logoYAK

3,004 ft · Southern Highlands, Scotland

Ben Vane

Ben Vane is a 3,004 ft peak in the Southern Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge: 6 mi, 3,050 ft of gain, Class 2.

Ben Vane in the Southern Highlands, Scotland

Ben Vane at a glance

  • Elevation3,004 ft915 m
  • RouteSoutheast RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,050 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeSouthern HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Southeast Ridge

From Tarbet, drive north on the A82 along Loch Lomond and start from the Inveruglas car park, which charges a fee. Cross the A82 with care, pass the Sloy power station and follow the tarmac hydro road west toward Loch Sloy. A path leaves the road and climbs the southeast ridge directly, steep and rocky with eroded sections and several false tops. The route is Class 2 with easy scrambling near the top. Stone steps and rock are slippery when wet, so take care on descent. Citylink buses stop at Sloy power station, and the visitor centre cafe sits by the car park.

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

  • Slippery terrain
  • Loose rock
  • Low visibility

Quests with Ben Vane

Peaks near Ben Vane

  1. Beinn Ìme

    Beinn Ìme

    3,317 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Beinn Narnain

    Beinn Narnain

    3,041 ft · 2.0 mi away

  3. Ben Vorlich

    Ben Vorlich

    3,094 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. Ben Lomond

    Ben Lomond

    3,196 ft · 7.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Ben Vane?

Ben Vane is 3,004 feet (915 m) tall. It is in the Southern Highlands, Scotland.

How does Ben Vane rank among the Munros?

At 3,004 feet, Ben Vane is the 281st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Ben Vane?

The Southeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 6 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Ben Vane?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Ben Vane?

Usually, if you are fit. The Southeast Ridge 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 Vane?

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

Climb Ben Vane 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