Everything you need to plan a safe and successful day on Ben Lomond.
Today’s mountain at a glance
Recommended daylight window
Reviewing today’s daylight forecast.
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Daily modelled total
Daily summit estimate
Recommended route
World Imagery sources: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA FSA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community.
Imagery attributionReview the full route notes, map and GPX information before setting off.
View route →Essential information
Current seasonal hazards
Seasonal and weather-related risks are modelled estimates. Check the full hazard assessment before you set off.
View hazard assessment →Safety reminder
Mountain weather can change fast.
Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, navigation equipment and a fully charged phone.
Plan ahead and be prepared to turn back if conditions worsen.
View safety guide →Stay informedMountain conditions can change rapidly. Always check the latest 7-day and hourly forecast, carry appropriate kit and know how to navigate in poor visibility.
Ben Lomond Via Rowardennan is the most direct route option currently listed.
Choose Ben Lomond Via Rowardennan →Paths can be unclear in poor visibility. Carry a map, compass and know how to use them.
Learn More →Conditions change rapidly on the mountain. Check the forecast and be prepared for all conditions.
Learn More →Ben Lomond is a Central mountain guide with 1 route currently listed. Use the live conditions snapshot, route details and essential access information below before planning a day on the hill.
Live Conditions
1 route available. Ben Lomond is a moderate-grade mountain with a typical duration of 3–5 hrs.
Cairnova route lines and GPX files are independently prepared using publicly mapped paths, geographic mapping data and route-planning references. They have not been walked or field-verified by Cairnova. Routes, distances, ascent figures and timings are guidance only and may contain gaps, inaccuracies or pathless sections. Check the route against a current official map, carry suitable navigation equipment and make your own decisions on the mountain.
Read the full route and GPX terms →Choose the mapped approach, confirm the correct start and review parking, transport, facilities and nearby services before travelling.
Rowardennan parking area
Pay & display; the most popular starting point, at the end of the public road along the loch's east shore. [Coordinates verified via OS grid ref NS359986]
Seasonal bus service to Rowardennan in summer; otherwise nearest public transport is Balmaha or Drymen.
Confirm the operator timetable, service days and return journey before departure. Where a taxi, cycle or walk is mentioned, treat it as a separate last-mile leg.
Drymen / Balmaha
~13 miles / 21 km from Drymen (single-track road along the loch)
Toilets at Rowardennan; Youth Hostel and campsite nearby
Rowardennan Hotel and SYHA hostel at the trailhead; wider choice in Balmaha or Drymen
Dogs allowed on lead
Good on lower slopes, poor near summit
Rowardennan parking area
Toilets at Rowardennan; Youth Hostel and campsite nearby
April–October
October to May
MountainBen Lomond
Region01C: Loch Lomond to Strathyre
CountyStirling
OS grid referenceNN367028
Height rank182
Street View near the recorded start point. Imagery may be outdated; check signs and avoid blocking access.
Research notes from the parking record; not confirmation of current access or permission to park.
[Coordinates verified via OS grid ref NS359986]
Seasonal bus service to Rowardennan in summer; otherwise nearest public transport is Balmaha or Drymen.
Confirm operator timetables, service days and the return journey. Treat any taxi, cycle or walk as a separate last-mile leg.Toilets at Rowardennan; Youth Hostel and campsite nearby
Check opening times and seasonal availability before travel.Rowardennan Hotel and SYHA hostel at the trailhead; wider choice in Balmaha or Drymen
Explore options →△Start pointRowardennan parking area
↗Route typeOut and back
♧TerrainWell-maintained path
≋SurfaceWell-maintained path, Steep upper section
⌁Elevation gain999m
▣Best monthsApril–October
Parking, access, terrain and emergency details in one place, using the information available for Ben Lomond.
Good on lower slopes, poor near summit
Signal may improve lower down, but should not be relied on for navigation.Dogs allowed on lead
Please clean up after your dog and follow local access guidance.The best months to climb Ben Lomond are April–October.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Snow and ice can be present from October to May.
Parking information, facilities and access details are provided in good faith but may be subject to change. Always verify charges and opening times before travel. Cairnova accepts no liability for inaccuracies in third-party facility information.
Use this page to prepare your route plan, kit, emergency actions and mountain-specific hazards before committing to the hill.
Mountain conditions on Ben Lomond can change rapidly. Always check before setting out. Carry full waterproofs, map and compass at all times. Tell someone your route plan and expected return time.
View the 7-day forecastLocation-specific model guidance for Ben Lomond, combining live weather and pollen data with season, elevation, terrain and regional exposure.
Gathering mountain and approach-level hazard data.
Expect little or no mobile signal above higher ground.
Conditions can change rapidly at any time of year.
Do not rely on your phone for navigation.
Winter conditions can occur outside of winter.
Follow this order:
Use voice call if you can.
If you cannot speak, listen to instructions from the operator.
Do this before you travel into areas with no mobile signal.
Download the app and learn how it works before you go.
Scottish Mountain Rescue teams are entirely voluntary and charity-funded. Your support helps save lives.
Safety briefings are general guidance only and do not constitute professional mountaineering advice. Avalanche risk should always be obtained from SAIS. Cairnova accepts no liability for incidents. In an emergency in Scotland: dial 999.
Before downloading
This GPX is digitally mapped planning guidance and has not been walked or field-verified by Cairnova. Routes, distances, ascent figures and timings may contain inaccuracies, gaps or pathless ground. Cross-check it against a current detailed map, carry a map and compass, and do not rely on this file as your sole means of navigation. You remain responsible for route choice, navigation, preparation and safety. Check current weather, daylight and access conditions before setting out.
