Ben Lomond Mountain
Prominent Scottish mountain above Loch Lomond, popular hike
Munro on Loch Lomond's eastern shore, popular for day hikes along a clear ridgeline from Rowardennan. Climbers earn expansive views over the loch and its islands on fair-weather ascents.
Ben Lomond at a Glance#
Address: Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond side (access from Rowardennan or Balloch), Scotland
Website: https://www.mountaineering.scot/
Admission: Free
About Ben Lomond#
Ben Lomond is a prominent Scottish hill on the east shore of Loch Lomond in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, United Kingdom, reaching 974 metres in elevation. It is classified as a Munro and is one of the most visited high points in southern Scotland.
The mountain’s main attraction is the clear summit panorama over Loch Lomond and the surrounding Highland foothills; routes are steep but well defined and can be completed as a long day walk from the loch shore. The most frequently used approaches begin from the loch’s eastern shores and are maintained by paths that handle heavy walker traffic.
Historically and recreationally it has been a popular local climb since the 19th century and remains a standard objective for hillwalkers seeking a relatively accessible 900+ metre summit. The hill sits approximately on the eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond, within easy reach of the Central Belt and around 40 kilometres north of Glasgow.
- Munro and popularity: Designated a Munro at 974 metres and located within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, it is one of the most frequently climbed Munros due to its proximity to Glasgow and straightforward paths.
What to See#
- Summit (974 m): The summit at 974 metres above sea level provides a broad panoramic view over **Loch Lomond** and the southern Highlands; it is the mountain’s principal destination for walkers.
- Common ascent routes: Main ascent routes from the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, commonly starting near Rowardennan and Balmaha, follow a steep but well‑defined path to the summit and back in a day for fit walkers.
How to Get to Ben Lomond#
Access commonly starts from Rowardennan on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond (reachable by seasonal ferry from the western shore or by road from Glasgow). Trains connect Glasgow to Balloch or Westerton, and onward bus or car travel reaches trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Ben Lomond#
- If attempting the summit, start at Rowardennan and allow 6-8 hours round trip for a fit walker
- Take public transport to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs area and park at official car parks - roads near trailheads can be narrow
- Weather changes quickly; check forecasts and bring layers and navigation tools
Best Time to Visit Ben Lomond#
Summer months provide the most reliable conditions for a Ben Lomond ascent, but shoulder seasons can be excellent with fewer walkers.
Weather & Climate near Ben Lomond#
Ben Lomond's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2829 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 3° | -7° | 357 mm | overcast | 95% | 13.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 3° | -7° | 234 mm | overcast | 94% | 13.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 4° | -6° | 261 mm | overcast | 91% | 11.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 6° | -3° | 151 mm | overcast | 87% | 9.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 9° | 1° | 149 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.2h |
| June | Poor | 6° - 12° | 5° | 141 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.3h |
| July | Poor | 8° - 13° | 10° | 155 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| August | Poor | 8° - 13° | 10° | 185 mm | overcast | 88% | 8.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 11° | 4° | 257 mm | overcast | 90% | 9.7 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 7° | -1° | 307 mm | overcast | 92% | 11.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 5° | -4° | 310 mm | overcast | 94% | 12.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 3° | -6° | 322 mm | overcast | 95% | 12.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
