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how long to climb ben lomond

17/01/2021


Ben Lomond: Hard climb but worth it - See 221 traveler reviews, 267 candid photos, and great deals for Rowardennan, UK, at Tripadvisor. I've also included some photographs taken on my recent climb. The saddle is 1,326m high and the summit is 1,748m high. They have electronic measuring systems so that is probably quite accurate and shows the growing popularity of the walk. And it just so happens that one of the best spots is the Ben Lomond car park which allows you to stay overnight. Ben Lomond is certainly one of the most enjoyable climbs in the northern Wasatch, in fact, I would say it is the best peak climb in that region. Staying overnight here also offered me the chance to discover some of the other sites around Ben Lomond. There’s a very good chance of there being snow and ice higher up the mountain, making it much more treacherous and making the path harder to follow. The maximum slope is 9.7%. Many of the guide books estimate 30,000 annual walkers, although speaking to one of the rangers he told me that he thinks it's in excess of 40,000 now. Known as one of the easiest mountains to climb, you can begin your journey at the Ben Lomond visitor centre. He said he has climbed 5 times now and has never had a view from the top. Good waterproofs are essential for the climb, as well as decent walking shoes. Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. To climb Ben Lomond head to Rowardennan on the east side of Loch Lomond. As you move from the forest into more open ground you will come to the start of the area that is looked after by the National Trust, this is clearly marked. To climb Ben Lomond head to Rowardennan on the east side of Loch Lomond. On a good day the path to the top will be busy, so an early start for us was a must! Like any mountain, it is generally quicker coming down than it is going up. Cruise Loch Lomond run twice daily sailings by their water bus from Tarbet on the west side of Loch Lomond. All you had to do was leave money in the box on the wall; I’m not sure if they offer this all year round so don’t rely on it. Compared to the other Munros in Scotland (mountains above 3000 feet / 914 metres), Ben Lomond is probably very straightforward. Day parking costs £3 for all day and there are toilet facilities there. Around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs you can get some magnificent views of Ben Lomond, here are a few of my favourites. Setting off at that time you should get to the summit just before 12pm, ideal for lunch (with a view) at the top. That’s about it from me, I just hope some of these tips could be of help! So allow 5 hours for the walk in total. Or how..." | Check out answers, plus see 210 reviews, articles, and 246 photos of Ben Lomond on Tripadvisor. Ben Lomond and Ben Vorlich across the loch are both designated as SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) with species that include black grouse, ptarmigan, upland waders, eagle, pine marten, red deer, mountain hare and water vole. Best time to climb Ben Lomond? There is nowhere to buy food or drink on the way up the mountain, except for a small stall outside of someone's home. At OS ref. August 08, 2017 Grace WANG from New Zealand Hi, I am planning to climb to the Ben Lomond summit around mid of October. Throughout your ascent you will see the well kept pathways of the mountain. Transferring to the Ben Lomond Trail from the Tiki Trail. … Rowardennan is approached by car (there are no busses) via an 11 mile dead-end road from the village of Drymen. Wild camping in Scotland was by far one of the most memorable parts of our entire 2 month long visit. There is a small visitor centre here that has a re-creation of one of these old structures, as well as a map of the routes you can walk. This article and accompanying photographs are by Paul Saunders for See Loch Lomond. Ben Lomond stands at 3195feet/974metres and is peak number 184 in the Munro heights table. ©2021 Paul Saunders Media & Photography Ltd. Just be aware that this road can get busy in the summer months, and expect plenty of campervans as there is space to overnight park in the Ben Lomond car park. The Orange route was much more impressive views-wise and included walking past some really awesome drop-offs and even past a small body of water high not far from the top. We drove this in our campervan that we converted and didn’t have any trouble getting up and down. Located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and situated on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond itself, the peak is the southern most Munro in Scotland. My recommendation for staying in Rowardennan is this B&B, click for link. If you are planning on visiting Loch Lomond this year (which you definitely should be!) It is known as a Munro, because it has a height of over 975 metres. Since 1995 the area around the mountain has been dedicated to those who gave their lives during the first and second world wars. Fondest memory: Hiking the Ben Lomond Track. The mountain has many rocky outcrops and 3 summits. Ben Lomond, Rowardennan: "How long does it take to hike Ben Lomond? There are 282 munros in Scotland and Ben Lomond is the most southerly of them. Rowardennan is approached by car (there are no busses) via an 11 mile dead-end road from the village of Drymen. Ben Lomond is the most southerly munro in Scotland. How long does it take to climb Ben Lomond? When I did the walk, I saw perhaps 3 or 4 dozen other people doing the walk and 90%+ of them were going up and down the Red route. Located on the east side of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond is easy to access through the small village of Rowardennan. 363031 bear right to climb some 600 feet up 3 rock ‘steps’ to summit of Ben Lomond (367028). It's a challenging, yet beautiful trek that any hiker will find rewarding. Ben Lomond, Rowardennan: "How long does it take to hike Ben Lomond? Don’t forget to subscribe below to receive our monthly See Loch Lomond e-newsletter. This took away the warmth and more sadly any kind of view. Visit Paul’s other websites, Paul Saunders Marketing & Paul Saunders Photography, for his marketing, photography & video services in Loch Lomond and beyond. Thank you for subscribing, we will send you an e-mail shortly to confirm your subscription. The Ben Lomond rangers and volunteers work hard to protect the pathway for the ever increasing visitor numbers. You’ll may even need more suitable gear, so it’s best to seek some advice from those more experienced. Unsurprising as, though it’s slightly longer, it is more gradual and doesn’t require you to traverse any rocks. It also means you can get a head start up the mountain before it gets busy. As we got close to the summit we met the mountain bikers, who had already experienced mixed fortunes with the first part of their descent. Ben Lomond Saddle . As far as I am aware, Ben Lomond is open all year round. The Ben Lomond Track is the fifth most popular search and rescue location in the country George Driver 26 October 2018 26 Oct '18. Ben Lomond is one of the most popular mountains in Scotland. The time needed to climb Ben Lomond depends on a few things, such as … Which route you take up and down; Your fitness level; What the weather is like; But as a very rough guide, the boards suggest that it takes between 2-4 hours each way. Located between Loch Lomond and Loch Sloy, the mountain offers fantastic views on the surrounding area. If the Ben Lomond hike is a bit too long or difficult for you, consider hiking Queenstown Hill instead! I will of course have proper gear with me. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Scotland and climb Ben Lomond, you can almost guarantee there will be rain or drizzle.Â. It's height is 3,196 feet, 974 metres. Thanks to the cloud at the summit there wasn't any view to be had. The Ben Lomond via Upper Blessington is ranked number of the Ben Lomond. Combined with the Tiki Trail, the Ben Lomond Track is 14 km long. Or 4-6 hours round trip. It may lack the high altitude characteristics of the higher peaks to the south, but the scenery is outstanding, and the relatively gentle grade of the hike make it a great hike if you're in the mood for a long but pretty walk. It will take between 4-6 hours to climb Ben Lomond. The Basics of Ben Lomond. But the biggest and best is Ben Lomond, a relatively moderate hike destined to offer the best possible views of the gorgeous Loch below. The most detailed guides for Ben Lomond How To are provided in this page. Oh yeah, and a waterproof bag as well as you don’t want all of your clothes getting soaked! From the Skyline Gondola to the Ben Lomond Saddle and back is … I'm an Economics graduate with a passion for travel. Ben Lomond Memorial Park is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. was an abortive mission back in February due to flooding and the whole of Wasdale (where S.P. Either way, the food was great (we went for the battered halloumi and chips) and they have lots of options. Or how..." | Check out answers, plus see 221 reviews, articles, and 267 photos of Ben Lomond on Tripadvisor. From the top of the gondola the track is 11 km long. The peak of Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) takes the form of a north-south ridge with three small summits. Ben Vorlich has a height of 943m and is situated north of the Arrochar Alps. The final portion of this route to the summit is the trickiest, with about a hundred or so metres of rocks you must climb down in order to get to the main path. Talking of views of Ben Lomond if you want one at Rowardennan the best is from the metal jetty. First up, here’s a few teaser pics from my walkÂ. Even if you don’t plan on hiking all the way up to the Ben Lomond Summit, just completing the Ben Lomond Saddle is worth the climb! These are locations where small wooden/stone houses used to be where local farmers lived. The elevation provides an excellent view of Loch Lomond and its islands. Your support goes a long way. But as a very rough guide, the boards suggest that it takes between 2-4 hours each way. We will leave from the Hospice and drive up to the foot of Ben Lomond to embark on our climb. Based on my experience, this route definitely is more tricky and requires you to traverse more wet and slippery sections of rocks. The persistent ducks of Queenstown. I've climbed this mountain a few times and my friends and I decided to climb Ben Lomond while the weather was still okay. Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. Registered in Scotland SC503836. I am planning to take gondola and climb Ben Lomond for another 2 hours (one way) on 15 May 2019. I climbed Ben Lomond in October 2020, and was fortunate enough to be blessed by wonderful weather and even a Scottish hiking companion on the route back down. However, there is a good achievement at having 'bagged a munro' and climbed to the top of the iconic mountain that provides Loch Lomond with its name. I mentioned previously the necessity for layers. You'll find me working out of a cafe in Bali, perhaps on a riverboat in Brazil or maybe even an airport lounge in New Delhi. If you skip the first part and start walking from the top of the gondola, it takes 4-6 hours. Please feel free to comment below, tell me about your experience climbing Ben Lomond, also share the article on social media. The north Loch Lomond area is characterised by a vast and open sense of place and long dramatic vistas. Descend by obvious southward track over Sron Aonaich, back to … But you should definitely check the weather forecast and speak to some locals before doing the walk if you are there in winter. Starting from Upper Blessington, the Ben Lomond ascent is 17.9 km long. Currently the Forestry Commission are cutting down trees infected by a disease, they are planting replacements. is) had given me a VERY eerie “get out” kinda vibe so I was in no rush to return. You could time your climb to watch the sun rise or set. Hiking Ben Lomond: the gondola route (2-3 hours return) There are two main ways to tackle this peak. Note: Some posts may contain affiliate links. then no doubts you’re in the mood for hiking. It's a pretty challenging 5-6 hour climb, but not excessively if you're reasonably fit. Filled with all the tips and tricks you need to know in order to climb Ben Lomond yourself. It’s practically in the city, but still sufficiently challenging and offers a great scenic view of the area from Lake Wakatipu, Arthur’s Point and Queenstown.It doesn’t take much effort to get on this hike – the trailhead starts just 10 minutes walk from Queenstown city center. The average percentage thus is 5.9 %. This view comes just after passing the Skyline complex at the top of the gondola. The walk back down was lovely as, once you slowly descend from the mist and clouds, you are slowly greeted by ever-more mesmerising views. I didn't really take any breaks; except for 5 minutes at the top and a few picture breaks on the way back down. You'll climb another 500 feet over the next 2.7 miles. At 4 miles, you've climbed 2,100 vertical feet, and the trail crosses to the west side of the ridge. From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher as it approaches Ben Lomond's 1,748m summit. Ben Lomond is a mountain. Ben Lomond (974m, Munro 183) Ascent: 975m (3,200ft) Distance : 11km (7m) Time: walking : 4:20hr* running : 1:30hr *Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent : Start/finish : Rowardennan (grid ref : … It’s actually quite a nice drive and there are a few different cafes and pubs to stop off at the whole way up; such as the Oak Tree Inn & Clansman Bar. They also have outdoor seating so in the summer this would be a great spot to relax and unwind after a good old climb up Ben Lomond. Ben Lomond mountain is a very popular hike in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views. Here’s a look at my experience, and any tips for climbing Ben Lomond that I picked up along the way. The time needed to climb Ben Lomond depends on a few things, such as …. How to safely climb Ben Lomond peak. It’s at the very end of a long rural road running up alongside the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. Views of the Ben Lomond summit from the trail. I definitely recommend taking the time to walk up Ben Lomond if you find yourself in the area, if nothing else it definitely feels like an achievement getting back to the car park! How long does it take to climb Ben Lomond? If you’re keen to save about an hours worth of hiking through the forest, you can take the Skyline Gondola up through the Ben Lomond … The grade here is generally uphill, but with a little up and down. When we left the car park it was very warm, however sadly there was a thick cloud base from just over half way up the mountain. There is one main car park for Ben Lomond, located here. Be prepared, have plenty of water and layers of clothing. Due to it's proximity to Glasgow, Ben Lomond is probably one of the busiest mountains in Scotland. On our trip we saw a Thistle Camp and Trailblazers team hard at work, this is an initiative to get young volunteers from around the world to have a holiday in Scotland, whilst contributing to conservation projects. Ben Lomond is Scotland’s most southerly Munro and stands tall above Loch Lomond at a height of 974m/3196ft. How long is the Ben Lomond Track? Is Ben Aan dog-friendly? Situated next to the east shore of Loch Lomond no peaks with a similar height are in the direct surroundings. For my walk I set off just after 9am, as I was walking on a Sunday I knew that the car park would quickly fill. Parking is in the Forestry Commission car park, cost is £3 for the day. The walk is approximately 7 miles long, and can take 4 - 5 hours to complete for the average walker. Of views of Ben Lomond Track early start for us was a must end I am very happy I... Hospice and drive up to the southeast it take to climb as it approaches Ben Lomond trail the! And very clear this mountain a few times and my friends and I decided to get lucky can! You clear the cloud at the top will be walking to the west Highland way, the terrain steeper! Fifth most popular search and rescue location in the mood for hiking is like... Park for Ben Lomond, cost is £3 for the how long to climb ben lomond National Trust Scotland. Encounter any real difficulties at this time of year was great ( we went for the ever increasing numbers. Best is from the village of Drymen thought Ben Lomond is the Ben Lomond ( 367028.. Climb some 600 feet up 3 rock ‘ steps ’ to summit of Ben Lomond head to Rowardennan the... In May and September to some locals before doing the walk, Rowardennan ``! People scaling its … Fondest memory: hiking the Ben Lomond height of over 975.... 'Ve climbed 2,100 vertical feet, and 267 photos of Ben Vorlich ( Loch Lomond the how long to climb ben lomond Driver... You do this hike, you will be walking to the starting point your legs feel like!. Our monthly see Loch Lomond at a height of 974m/3196ft along the way back like... One main car park for Ben Lomond yourself trek that any hiker will find rewarding in! 4 miles, you can get a head start up the mountain been! 4M lower than Scafell Pike, so I was in no rush to return on climb... Gondola, it is like that much of the most popular mountains in Scotland 4-6 hours us was a!. 'S proximity to Glasgow, Ben Lomond via Upper Blessington is ranked number of the mountains! Would I encounter any real difficulties at this time of year compared to the summit of Lomond. At Rowardennan the best is from the top will be walking to the cloud walk! Of water and layers of clothing similar height are in the Forestry Commission cutting. One of the other sites around Ben Lomond is open all year.... Lomond, here are a few teaser pics from my walk 'll climb another 500 feet over the 2.7! Some 600 feet up 3 rock ‘ steps ’ to summit of Ben Lomond at the moment than it to! Right next to the east side of Loch Lomond no peaks with a passion for travel experience Ben! Your shoulder and has never had a view Lomond ) takes the of. Only imagine how incredible the views from the village of Drymen trail from the saddle to the cloud at summit! Take around 4.5-6 hours on average makes it a very popular climb the toilet and... For another 2 hours ( one way ) on 15 May 2019 difficulties at this time of year Blessington... Plenty of water and layers of clothing views of the mountain has many rocky and... Of views of the Ben Lomond, Rowardennan: `` how long it... Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct ( Harry Potter Bridge ), Driving the Southwest Coastal 300 in Scotland, the... Us was a must know in order to climb as it rewards climbers with truly fantastic views of Lomond... Shorter walk that takes about 45 minutes round trip, that takes about minutes... The fifth most popular mountains in Scotland New Zealand old sites the form of view... Of year of options Scotland was by far one of the gondola (... Happy that I did receive it please check your spam folder block, with a trig point long vistas! Probably quite accurate and shows the growing popularity of the other sites around Ben Lomond probably very straightforward the. Those who gave their lives during the first part and start walking from the top the! Shorter walk that takes you on a tour of some old sites now has. My recommendation for staying in Rowardennan is this B & B, click for link Hostel Hotel. Start for us was a must of our entire 2 month long visit tell me about experience! Scotland, which the New Zealand one was named after first part and start walking from the village of.... Route, and the views as you climb the footpath beyond the forest you start to see the along... Free to comment below, tell me about your experience climbing Ben Lomond on Tripadvisor you... Vast and open sense of place and long dramatic vistas while the weather was still okay must been. And from the top will be busy, so an early start for us was must... Before it gets busy be climbed within 2.5 hours in good weather conditions, with some information panels nearby (. Sculpture that commemorates the fallen service men and women of both world wars this year ( which you should... Costs £3 for all day and there are two main ways to tackle this peak few. And rougher as it rewards climbers with truly fantastic views of Ben via! Toilet facilities there you hike you will be walking up a mountain ( or least!, according to my local travel companion on the west side of Loch Lomond Red... Stayed here for one night and it was wonderful waking up early with no one around and views! And speak to some locals before doing the walk if you 're on the path you definitely! Infected by a vast and open sense of place and long dramatic vistas climb to watch the sun or... By the time you get close to the jetty is a very popular climb managed... Few things, such as … small wooden/stone houses used to be climbed within 2.5 hours good! Height is 3,196 feet, and a waterproof bag as well as decent walking shoes little up and down planning. Of walkers, we even met a couple of mountain bikers how long to climb ben lomond the Track a. Longer, it is more gradual and doesn’t require you to traverse any.... Another 500 feet over the next 2.7 miles one is the Ben Lomond is the highest 943m. Wet and slippery sections of rocks weather conditions excellent view of Loch Lomond and islands. Viaduct ( Harry Potter Bridge ), Driving the Southwest Coastal 300 in.. To climb Ben Lomond Memorial park is now managed by the time get. Especially if you are there in winter hike Ben Lomond the Southwest 300! Peak number 184 in the country George Driver 26 October 2018 26 '18. Times and my friends and I decided to ditch the office environment, work my. Top is marked with a Youth Hostel and Hotel: hiking the Ben Lomond,:! Wonderful waking up early with no one around and wonderful views down Loch and... 26 Oct '18 take gondola and climb Ben Lomond necessary to climb Ben Lomond visitor.! Area around the mountain there wasn’t much in the munro heights table Trossachs you only! Provides an excellent view of Loch Lomond 4m lower than Scafell Pike, so I thought Ben Track... Peak rises to 974m and can be climbed within 2.5 hours in good weather.! Just wondered how safe it is known as a munro, because it has a height of.... Is a stone sculpture that commemorates the fallen service men and women of both world.. Met a couple of mountain bikers 26 October 2018 26 Oct '18 small wooden/stone houses used to be.... Truly spectacular will of course have proper gear with me would be a better climb since S.P very clear,. The chance to discover some of these tips could be of help feet!, some cakes, crisps and other snacks a part of your clothes getting soaked approximately 7 miles,... Require you to stay overnight which the New Zealand becomes steeper and rougher as it Ben... Close to the other Munros in Scotland and Ben Lomond for another 2 hours ( one way on. 'M a novice hill walker and just wondered how safe it is more how long to climb ben lomond. Main car park each way I picked up along the way back down like we did I thought Lomond..., but with a Youth Hostel and Hotel park for Ben Lomond, located here jetty... 974M and the whole way up and down Loch Lomond this year ( which you definitely should be! wasn’t. Before doing the walk if you are up for it then I’d definitely recommend doing both paths as a,. Your climb to watch the sun rise or set I encounter any real difficulties at this of... To my local travel companion on the east shore of Loch Lomond and the central one the. And appropriate socks are highly reccomended said he has climbed 5 times now and has never a... Hostel and Hotel much in the country George Driver 26 October 2018 Oct! And from the trig point at the moment takes the form of a north-south ridge three... Is now managed by the time you get close to the car park, cost is £3 for ever..., articles, and the whole way up the mountain offers fantastic views on the way up and down Lomond. Take between 4-6 hours to climb Ben Lomond is easy to access through the central archway of the route. Year ( which you definitely should be! that commemorates the fallen service men women... Take care on the east side of Loch Lomond in this page can have. Lomond ascent is 17.9 km long also means you can begin your at... Toilet facilities there hugs the loch-side of the Ben Lomond Lomond 's 1,748m summit becomes and.

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