There’s something about Ben Lomond that feels like a rite of passage for Scottish hillwalkers. Standing proudly above Loch Lomond, it’s one of those peaks that’s both accessible and endlessly rewarding — a mountain that gives you that true “top of the world” feeling without needing to be a seasoned mountaineer.
Getting Started
The trail begins near Rowardennan, where a small car park and visitor centre mark the start of the route. The morning I set off, the loch was calm, reflecting the first light of the day. That mirror-like water and the soft hum of birdsong set the perfect tone for what was to come.
There are two main routes up: the Tourist Path, which climbs gradually with steady switchbacks, and the more rugged Ptarmigan Ridge, which offers a wilder approach and meets the main trail near the summit. I opted for the Ptarmigan route up — always a sucker for a bit of adventure — and planned to descend by the main path.
The Climb
The trail wastes no time gaining height, quickly opening up to views that stop you in your tracks. Looking back, Loch Lomond stretches out in all its glory — scattered with islands, framed by wooded shores, and backed by the rolling hills of the Trossachs.
As the path winds higher, the terrain becomes rockier, the breeze a little cooler, and the sense of space even greater. There’s something special about that moment when you rise above the treeline and feel like you’re truly in the highlands.
At the Summit
Reaching the summit of Ben Lomond (974m) is a moment to savour. On a clear day, the panorama is breathtaking — Ben Nevis to the north, the Arrochar Alps to the west, and Loch Lomond glistening far below. I tucked myself behind a rock to escape the wind, poured a well-earned cup of coffee, and just soaked it all in.
There’s a shared joy among walkers up there — everyone smiles, exchanges a few words, and takes that classic photo by the summit cairn. You can’t help but feel connected to something bigger when you’re surrounded by so much beauty.
The Descent
I took the main Tourist Path down, a gentler and more direct route that gives you constant views of the loch as you descend. The legs were feeling it by the end, but the satisfaction of a full day in the hills — and maybe the promise of a post-hike pint — made every step worth it.
Final Thoughts
Ben Lomond is a mountain for everyone — first-timers, seasoned hikers, solo wanderers, and friends out for a challenge. It’s an achievable climb with huge rewards, and a perfect reminder of why we keep heading back to the hills.
If you’re planning your first Munro, make it Ben Lomond. You’ll leave with tired legs, a full heart, and a story worth sharing.
