Ben Lomond
Walking the Rob Roy Way? You will be able to divert your route and climb Ben Lomond! Here at EasyWays we will be able to spend time to help you to plan the route, transport and accommodation. We want your trip to be as stress free as possible! At the beginning of the Rob Roy Way in Drymen, you will be situated in the best place to explore Ben Lomond and the surrounding area. The Rob Roy Way passes through some of the most scenic villages in the West of Scotland. Exploring this part of Scotland, including Ben Lomond, there is so much to see and so many places to go.
Why Ben Lomond?
Ben Lomond is one of the most popular mountains in Scotland. It is known as a Munro, because it has a height of over 975 metres. Located on the east side of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond is easy to access through the small village of Rowardennan. Known as one of the easiest mountains to climb, you can begin your journey at the Ben Lomond visitor centre. Continuing the route up the mountain, you follow the tourist path. This path is most often busy and clear. The continuing path is steeper and includes zig zags. With views at the top out over Loch Lomond and the surrounding rural communities, the short ascent up to the summit is very worthwhile. Also, the top of Ben Lomond can be seen from Ben Nevis, which is the highest peak in Britain and over 40 miles away from Ben Lomond. If you are planning on walking the Rob Roy Way, it might be a good idea to making a stop in Rowardennan. Even if you do not climb up Ben Lomond, the Trossachs offer spectacular scenery and views.
The average walking time of Ben Lomond is around 4 hours, obviously depending on how fast you walk. The terrain is relatively easy and in a convenient location – near Glasgow, Ben Lomond tends to attract a lot of attention from international tourists.
How Do I Travel To Ben Lomond?
If you are a walker travelling from Glasgow to Rowardennan, there is an opportunity to take the train to Arrochar and Tarbet from Glasgow Queen Street Station. Then the next day travelling to Rowardennan by ferry from Tarbet. The Rowardennan Ferry trip only operates during the summer season, from March until October. The crossing is 45 minutes long and departs from the Tarbet pier at 8.45am, reaching Rowardennan at the perfect time allowing you to tackle the famous Ben Lomond. If you are travelling with bikes or dogs, you are in luck! There are bike racks and dogs are welcome on the service free of charge.
You can also travel from Luss to Rowardennan. Luss is a beautiful conservation village which is ten miles from Tarbet. The Rowardennan to Luss ferry service departs at 9.30am and returns to Rowardennan at 4.15pm. So, the service is more suitable if you are using it to spend time in Luss. But still something to think about if you are planning a trip to Rowardennan, to climb Ben Lomond, and travelling by foot.
This is a perfect opportunity if you are travelling direct from Glasgow, with the intention of starting the Rob Roy Way. It will set you up in the right location around the Loch Lomond area.
The Local Area
An incredible, popular location with locals and tourists, Balmaha is a lovely place to stop after climbing Ben Lomond. Balmaha is a relaxing environment located on the east side of Loch Lomond. With the potential for even more photograph opportunities, it is your chance to make everyone jealous with your trip to Loch Lomond! With a local pub which serves food, a place perfect for you to rest and a small village shop where you can stock up on supplies. Just a short bus or car journey to Drymen, where you can begin the Rob Roy Way, it is a good place to relax before climbing Ben Lomond.
Activities
After climbing Ben Lomond, continue your Loch Lomond experience! There are so many activities you can enjoy in this area of Scotland. During the Scottish summer, a lovely way to travel around is by bicycle. An exciting outdoor adventure for everyone to give a try! There are many places to hire a bike and some different routes you can try. Also, bikes are allowed on the ferries that cross the Loch, so if you want to change route or location, it is easy to do so. Especially in summer, it is worthwhile to experience the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond in your own time!
Not only can you enjoy the ferry crossing from Luss or Tarbet Pier to Rowardennan. After you have climbed Ben Lomond or finished the Rob Roy Way, continue your tour and delve deeper into the west of Scotland. People often forget how big Loch Lomond is! There is so much more to it than just Ben Lomond. From the west coast of the Loch, Tarbet has ferries travelling out to Inversnaid on the north of the Loch. A ferry that travels to Luss, south of Tarbet which is nearer to Balloch. These ferry trips are ideal if you are travelling on foot to the area and need to get around. Also, day trips are great to explore and learn about the local wildlife!
The wildlife around the Loch Lomond area is amazing. There are so many chances to catch animals such as otters or deer, in their natural habitats! The RSPB provide a guided cruise and walk across and around the Loch. Not only will have the chance to experience the wildlife when you are climbing Ben Lomond, you might be lucky and catch a glimpse of a golden eagle!
If you would like more information about how we can help you to incorporate Ben Lomond into your trip of walking the Rob Roy Way, get in touch!
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