Map & Elevation
About this Route
This corrected GPX starts at the Benmore Farm track entrance on the A85 and climbs Ben More by its direct north-western route. It is 6.5 km out and back with about 990 m of ascent. That ratio tells you most of what you need to know: the climb is steep almost from the start and gives very little respite before the 1,174 m summit. The file no longer includes the unnecessary road section from the lay-by farther east.
Follow the farm track as it zigzags uphill beneath the power lines. Around the 300 m contour, pass through the gate and leave the track for the worn mountain path. The line climbs beside the left side of Sloc Curraidh, first on grass and then over rougher, stonier ground. Higher up, the path becomes less distinct and the broad slope can feel surprisingly vague in cloud, even though the ascent looks simple from below. Keep checking your direction rather than relying on the steepest-looking line.
The summit area is broad, rocky and exposed. In winter this face is a serious mountaineering route, and even in summer wet grass and loose stones make the descent tiring. Return exactly the same way to the gate and farm track. This guide covers Ben More only; it does not continue to Stob Binnein. There is no easy finish, so save your knees, take breaks before the descent and carry an independent navigation backup.
Ben More dominates Crianlarich and the road east, an enormous green pyramid offering no obvious easy approaches.
Walkhighlands
Route Waypoints
Start at the track entrance beside the A85. Use a legal parking place nearby and avoid walking along the busy road where possible.
Follow the track through its first sharp bends. Stay on the track through the farm ground and keep gates as you find them.
Continue uphill beneath the pylons. The track remains clear here and provides the gentlest part of the whole ascent.
Pass through the gate near the 300 m contour, then leave the track for the steep path on the open hillside.
Climb on the left side of the shallow gully. The slope is sustained and can be greasy; keep away from the steeper broken ground inside the gully.
The path becomes stonier and less obvious. In cloud, hold the GPX line and check a compass rather than drifting across the broad face.
Reach the summit cairn and trig point at 1,174 m. This guide turns here and does not cross the bealach to Stob Binnein.
Descend by the same north-west path, regain the gate and follow the zigzag track back to the A85.
Essential Tips
The route begins at the farm track, not at the eastern lay-by used by the old file. Park legally and do not block the farm entrance.
You gain roughly 1,000 m in only three kilometres. Start steadily, carry enough water and do not judge the day by the short distance.
The path can disappear in cloud or snow. Take a bearing for the descent before leaving the summit and keep an independent map and compass handy.
Snow and ice turn the north-west face into mountaineering ground. An ice axe, crampons and the skill to use them may be essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Ben More from Benmore Farm?
About 3 hours round trip for the 6.5 km route. That's based on Naismith's Rule, but the relentless 1,000 m climb means you should allow extra time if you're not used to steep ascents.
Is Ben More suitable for beginners?
No, not really. It's graded strenuous — you gain almost 1,000 metres in just over 3 km, so it's steep from the start with very little flat ground to recover.
Can I climb Ben More in winter without special equipment?
No. In winter the north-west face becomes serious mountaineering terrain requiring ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them properly.