The great outdoors: Solitary Ben Lomond is the height of popularity

Scotland’s most southerly Munro lies on the rugged eastern shore of Loch Lomond, just 59.5km (37 miles) from Glasgow.

It’s a solitary hill that is visible from miles away, from far south of Glasgow, where it appears as a broad, hulking mass.

From the north and west, the sharp profile of the mountain’s Ptarmigan Ridge is prominent and the summit appears as a pyramid. My favourite view is from the east, from the shores of Loch Ard.

It’s from here that Ben Lomond towers over the loch and land, its graceful summit cone seeming almost volcanic.

An excellent path leads from Rowardennan, making an ascent straightforward. This, and its location on Glasgow’s doorstep, makes Ben Lomond one of Scotland’s busiest Munros, with more than 30,000 walking it each year.

Despite its popularity, it’s important to remember this is still a Munro and should be treated with respect – weather conditions can quickly deteriorate, and appropriate clothing and equipment should be carried. In winter, this means an ice axe and crampons, as well as the knowledge and experience to use them.

Like many Glaswegians, Ben Lomond was my first Munro as a teen. It was late spring, and the views from the summit left me speechless – to the south lay Loch Lomond, its crystal waters reflecting the pale blue of the early-morning sky and its many, forested islands looking as green as emeralds.

But it was the north that really excited me – here were myriad other peaks, row upon row of distant mountains, the furthest still wearing crowns of snow and every one completely unknown to me. I knew I would explore them all. I’ve climbed Ben Lomond many times since and the view remains one of my favourites. Other than Ben Nevis, it’s the busiest summit I’ve experienced.

Sometimes, I get to Rowardennan early, setting off in the dark and timing the ascent to enjoy the sunrise at the top. It’s an amazing experience if I’m lucky I get the top to myself. What a privilege.

Guide

Pronunciation: Ben Low-mond

Meaning: Beacon hill

Height: 974m (3,196ft); Rank: 184

OS Landranger Map 56

Route

Summit grid ref: NN367028 (trig point)

Nearest town: Drymen is 18km (11.2 miles) south-east of Rowardennan. It’s a small, very picturesque village with some great places to eat and drink. The historic Clachan Inn dates to 1734. It has a small supermarket, a couple of inns/ hotels and plenty of B&B options.

Start grid ref: NS359986 Distance: 11km (6.8 miles) Ascent: 1,000m (3,281ft) Time: 5hrs

Start at Rowardennan, where there’s a car park (£3). The easiest ascent is up and down the excellent “tourist path” and will take roughly four hours for a reasonably fit walker. The route I recommend, however, takes you up the Ptarmigan Ridge and is much more interesting, while avoiding the worst of the crowds – though it’s pretty busy, particularly in summer. Head north from the car park for about 1km (0.6 miles). Just beyond a small clutch of buildings at Ardess, a path heads right and rises steeply – follow this on to the Ptarmigan Ridge. The path is well-worn and eventually reaches the minor peak of Ptarmigan. Head north-east to the bealach and then on to Lomond’s northwest ridge. Minor scrambling takes you to the summit.