Ben Vrackie Mountain

Prominent Perthshire mountain overlooking Pitlochry

A popular hill near Pitlochry offering a well-trodden ascent, circular paths and summit panoramas; day-trippers appreciate the straightforward walk and views over Perthshire glens.

Main image

Ben Vrackie at a Glance#

Address: Ben Vrackie, near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland

About Ben Vrackie#

Ben Vrackie is a hill in Perthshire, Scotland, rising to 841 metres and overlooking the town of Pitlochry. It is a prominent local landmark and a frequent day-walk destination.

A well-defined path climbs from near the town up through heath and rocky ground to the summit ridge, which offers views across the River Tay valley and the surrounding Perthshire hills. The walk is popular year-round with locals and visitors for its convenience and vistas.

The hill is a natural feature of the southern Highlands and has long been used for recreation and grazing rather than settlement. Its accessibility from Pitlochry makes it one of the common day hikes in the region.

Ben Vrackie rises directly above Pitlochry in central Scotland, forming a conspicuous backdrop to the town and sitting within the rolling, forested landscape of southern Perthshire.

  • Summit height: The summit is 841 metres above sea level and is a well-used day-hike from the nearby town, with clear paths on the usual ascent.

How to Get to Ben Vrackie#

Ben Vrackie is a short drive or bus ride from Pitlochry; the main car park and trailhead are a few minutes from the town center. Regular trains and buses serve Pitlochry from Perth and Edinburgh.

Tips for Visiting Ben Vrackie#

  • The summit cairn can be windy; wear a layer against sudden gusts and stand on the sheltered lee if photographing.
  • The town of Pitlochry makes a good base with frequent bus and rail services to the area.
  • Consider the Ben Vrackie circuit that includes Craigower for varied terrain and good views.

Best Time to Visit Ben Vrackie#

Best during spring and summer for drier paths and more predictable weather; check conditions off-season.

Spring-Summer
April-September · 40-70°F (4-21°C)
Pleasant walking weather and long daylight; paths are at their driest.
Autumn
September-November · 35-55°F (2-13°C)
Bracken and heather change colour; expect shorter daylight and crisp air.

Weather & Climate near Ben Vrackie#

Climate

Ben Vrackie's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1178 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -2° - 4° -3° 151 mm overcast 96% 5.1 m/s 0.0 low 7.4h
February Poor -2° - 4° -3° 94 mm overcast 94% 4.9 m/s 0.1 low 9.3h
March Poor 0° - 6° -1° 106 mm overcast 92% 4.9 m/s 0.3 low 11.7h
April Acceptable 1° - 9° 2° 63 mm overcast 88% 4.3 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.0h
May Acceptable 4° - 13° 6° 74 mm overcast 85% 4.0 m/s 1.0 moderate 16.2h
June Good 7° - 16° 11° 69 mm overcast 85% 3.9 m/s 1.1 high 17.3h
July Good 9° - 17° 13° 72 mm overcast 86% 3.7 m/s 1.1 high 16.8h
August Good 9° - 17° 13° 79 mm overcast 88% 3.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 14.9h
September Acceptable 7° - 14° 10° 102 mm overcast 90% 4.1 m/s 0.5 low 12.6h
October Poor 4° - 10° 4° 127 mm overcast 93% 4.3 m/s 0.2 low 10.2h
November Poor 1° - 7° 0° 119 mm overcast 96% 4.5 m/s 0.0 low 8.0h
December Poor -1° - 5° -2° 122 mm overcast 96% 4.4 m/s 0.0 low 6.7h