The most southerly Munro, rising straight from the east bank of Loch Lomond and one of Scotland's most-climbed hills
Open accessScotland's right of responsible access applies
Ben Lomond stands above the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, the first big mountain you meet coming up from Glasgow, and at 974 metres it is the most southerly of the Munros, the Scottish peaks over 3,000 feet. Being so close to the city, and with a clear path most of the way, it is one of the busiest hills in the country on a fine weekend, and it is the high point of the old county of Stirlingshire.
Most people go up from Rowardennan on the loch shore, where there is a car park at the road end. From there the main tourist path climbs steadily up the broad south ridge to the summit, and a rockier alternative, the Ptarmigan ridge, comes back down to the north-west, so you can make a round of it. The top gives a long view down the length of Loch Lomond and out over its islands.
None of it is technically hard, but it is still a proper mountain: the summit cone is steeper and more exposed than the walk-in suggests, and Highland weather can turn quickly, so take warm and waterproof layers and check the forecast. Rowardennan is also a stop on the West Highland Way, which runs along the shore below the hill, so it is easy to combine a night on the trail with the climb.
More at hill-bagging.co.uk
