The Arrochar Alps & Ben Lomond Guided Walks

Ben Vane | Beinn Narnain & Beinn Ime | Ben Vorlich | Ben Lomond

The mountains on the western side of Loch Lomond are collectively known as the Arrochar Alps with Ben Lomond towering above the shores of the eastern side of the loch. Being easily accessible from Glasgow and the central belt makes them extremely popular, and they have a long history of Hill walking.

It is not just the accessibility that draws people to them though. They are rugged, rocky mountains making for excellent days out with a truly mountainous feel.

At AP Mountaineering, we’ve loved exploring Arrochar and even with its popularity have had some excellent days out there without the crowds, taking various lesser travelled routes up the much traversed mountains. Exploring not only the Munros, but the Corbetts and Grahams of the area as well, we’ve stayed in bothies & wild camped there as well as climbing on the classics of the famous Cobbler.

The area is all part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nation Park, Scotland’s first National Park. Established originally in 2002, the second being The Cairngorms.

So why not join us on our guided walks to explore some of what the Arrochar Alps has to offer.

Ben Vane

At 915m, Ben Vane only just makes Munro Status, compared to the other Arrochar Munros, but don't let that put you off. This is fantastic little rocky mountain with a mix of tracks, steep path and some stony hillside making for an excellent walk.

Lying on its own, and tucked away from view as you drive along the A82, we have an easy start taking a big track in to the base of the mountain. Once we reach the base of the ridge, things get more interesting, with steeper paths and a slight scramble as we head for the summit.

Fitness: Beginner Walk,

Duration: 5-7 Hours

Beinn Narnain & Beinn Ime

A classic day out tackling two superb Munros in the heart of the Arrochar Alps. Offering fine views over Loch Long, across to the Cobbler as well as across mountains further North, these two Munros are justifiably popular.

Taking on an initial steep section through woodland, we pop out above it and start getting fantastic views along Loch Long and the village of Arrochar, as well as Ben Lomond on the opposite side of Loch Lomond. After the steep slopes are over, we head along the ridge giving us fantastic views across to the Cobbler. Faced with a rocky outcrop, known as The Spearhead, we manage to skirt this and will soon be on our first summit of the day, Beinn Narnain.

From here we head down through some rocky sections onto a better path before heading up Beinn Ime on a nice path for most of the way until the top. Once we summit Beinn Ime we can descend the main track all the way back to the carpark.

Fitness: Beginner to Medium walk - Mainly good tracks after an initial steep section.

Duration: 6-8 hours

Ben Vorlich

Standing tall above Loch Lomond, this mountain is often walked from the opposite side of the hill, the Loch Sloy side. The summit provides fantastic views over Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, the other Munros of the Arrochar Alps, as well as the mountains further north.

We start with a relatively chilled walk initially along a track round towards Loch Sloy and its dam. From here we take a steep track, which we take nice and easy, to the summit ridge. Once on the ridge we are able to follow it along to the summit itself and enjoy the spectacular views.

Fitness: Beginner - Tough steeper mid section but we take it easy to make sure everyone manages.

Duration: 5-6.5 hours

Ben Lomond

A very popular Munro and for good reason. It provides outstanding views over not only Loch Lomond, but also out to the surrounding hills and even further afield. It is super accessible from Glasgow and Stirling, and sits on the eastern bank of Loch Lomond away from the rest of the Arrochar Alps Munros.

There are a couple of routes up this lovely Munro. Firstly, via the main track which is a well-maintained path aimed at reducing the erosion it gets with its multitude of visitors and the second via Ptarmigan Ridge. The latter is more of a track and sees less traffic but provides a lovely horse shoe when linked with the first.

Fitness: Beginner Walk - Great for those starting out.

Duration: 4 - 6 hours

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