Map & Elevation
About this Route
This is the main out-and-back route up Ben Lomond from Rowardennan, using the well-used Mountain Path for both ascent and descent. The GPX measures 13.7 km, gains 981 m and gives a walking-time estimate of just over five hours. The National Trust for Scotland suggests allowing four to six hours, which is a sensible range for a steady day with stops.
From the car park, follow the signed path through the lower woodland. The route climbs steadily, soon leaving the trees for the open hillside. There is little difficult route-finding in clear weather, but the path is long and the upper mountain is exposed. Continue over the broad shoulder, with Loch Lomond opening out behind, before the final steeper pull to the 974 m summit.
The summit plateau is rocky and can hold cloud even when Rowardennan is clear. Keep away from the steep eastern side in poor visibility and make sure you identify the Mountain Path before descending. This guide returns the same way; it does not use Ptarmigan Ridge, which is rougher and more demanding.
Take your time on the long descent, particularly where pitched stone is wet. Parking at Rowardennan can be busy and the approach road is narrow. Carry food, water, warm layers, waterproofs and a separate navigation backup. In winter the upper route may require an ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them.
The main draw of Ben Lomond is the hike to the summit, attempted by over 50,000 people a year.
National Trust for Scotland
Route Waypoints
Take the signed Ben Lomond Mountain Path from the car park and visitor area. Check the path noticeboard for temporary access or weather information before leaving.
Climb through the trees on the clear built path, ignoring side tracks. The route soon leaves the woodland and becomes much more exposed to wind.
Leave the woodland and continue onto the open hillside as the view over Loch Lomond develops.
Follow the broad rising shoulder; the path remains clear but the ground is increasingly exposed.
Continue over rockier ground towards the summit cone, checking the weather before committing higher. In cloud, note where the broad shoulder meets the steeper upper path.
Climb the steeper pitched section and keep away from the eastern drop in cloud or strong wind.
Reach the 974 m summit and return by the Mountain Path, not Ptarmigan Ridge. Keep well back from the steep eastern side when visibility is poor.
Retrace the shoulder and woodland path carefully to the car park. The long stone-pitched descent is tiring and becomes slippery after rain.
Essential Tips
This GPX is an out-and-back. Ptarmigan Ridge is not part of the guide and is rougher than the main path.
Nearly seven kilometres remain at the summit. Save energy and take care on wet pitched stone.
Cloud, wind and cold can be very different from conditions beside Loch Lomond. Carry warm layers and navigation even when Rowardennan is calm and clear.
Snow and ice can make the upper mountain serious; carry suitable equipment and know how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Ben Lomond?
Plan for 4 to 6 hours for the full climb and descent. The route is 13.9 km with 924 m of ascent, and the estimated walking time is around 4 hours 19 minutes, but you'll want extra time for breaks and the summit.
Is Ben Lomond suitable for beginners?
It's graded as strenuous and is a long, tiring day with significant elevation gain and exposure on the upper mountain. If you're reasonably fit and have proper gear, it's doable, but it's not a casual walk—especially in poor weather or winter conditions.
Is parking difficult at Rowardennan?
Yes, the car park can get very busy and the approach road is narrow. Arrive early if possible, especially on weekends and in good weather.