Standing tall above the north end of Loch Lomond is the mighty Ben Vorlich (‘Hill of the Bay’) one of the The Arrochar Alps. Climbed from the hydroelectric dam at Loch Sloy, Ben Vorlich is very steep, however, all that effort is seriously worth it – the view across Loch Lomond, to Ben Lomond and to the rest of the Arrochar Alps is simply stunning. Here is how to climb Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond).
Do not confuse this munro with the Ben Vorlich at Loch Earn.
How to climb Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)
Ben Vorlich is on the west side of Loch Lomond. You will need to park at or catch the bus to the Inveruglas Car Park (long stay, paid) on the A82. Starting from the car park, the route up Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) first crosses the A82 and then climbs to the dam at Loch Sloy. Follow the sign to Loch Sloy, past the Loch Sloy Power Station. A wide stony track tacks you up towards the hills, often through a field of cows so keep dogs on a lead.
Follow the wide track almost as far as the dam – don’t take the route signposted to the Glen Loin Loop, or climb Ben Vane by mistake – the route curves round the bottom of Ben Vorlich. Before the dam, you are looking for a stone footpath off to your right which climbs directly up the front face of the hill – be warned, the hike up Ben Vorlich is very steep and boggy.
The rough path now leads you up a series of false summits before reaching the top which has spectacular views. For Munro Baggers, the trig point at 941m isn’t actually the top of Ben Vorlich, 943m is marked by a cairn further up the summit plateau.
Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) route maps
- OS – You will need OL39 Loch Lomond North*
- Walkhighlands – Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)
How long does it take to climb Ben Vorlich [Loch Lomond]?
With a reasonable level of fitness, the walk up this Munro will take around 5-6 hours from the car park, although I’d leave around 6 hours + for the full walk.
Best time to climb Ben Vorlich [Loch Lomond]?
Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. Don’t attempt climbing Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) in winter unless you have winter gear and experience. For weather forecasts, I recommend you check out:
How hard is it to climb Ben Vorlich?
Whilst climbing Ben Vorlich is not technically hard, it is very steep and the return trip is around 7 miles – so don’t climb up expecting a wee trip up Arthur’s Seat. You will need hill walking gear and be prepared for the weather to change in a heartbeat – mist, fog and rain can sweep in quickly off the west coast of Scotland.
If you haven’t hill walked before, have a look at my beginners guide to hillwalking in Scotland. My beginners guide to hill walking in Scotland.
How to get to Ben Vorlich
Ben Vorlich sits above Loch Lomond, 1 hour north of Glasgow and 2 hours from Edinburgh. There are daily bus services to Loch Lomond with City Link, the stop is the Sloy Power Station. Parking is at the Inveruglas car park (paid). There are a cafe and toilets on site.
Love, from Scotland x
More iconic mountains in Scotland to climb
Kate Hopper
The blogger behind Love from ScotlandLove from Scotland is your guide to how to travel Scotland like a local. My name is Kate and on my site you will find everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Scotland – from destination guides to the best places to stay.