Ben Vorlich

Ben Vorlich stands on the western shore of Loch Lomond in Argyll and Bute. It is a Munro, a Scottish mountain over 900 metres high, and the highest point of the old county of Dunbartonshire. The A82 road and the West Highland railway line run along the loch’s eastern side, below the mountain’s slopes. A north–south ridge forms the summit, with three small tops spaced about 800 metres apart. The central top is the highest, though the southern top holds a trig point. The mountain can be climbed from east or west. The western route starts near Loch Sloy power station and follows the road to Loch Sloy Dam for about three kilometres. After another kilometre on the road, a stair path leads uphill. The climb is steep until nearly one kilometre from the southern summit, where the slope eases. Several streams cross the path, crossed by stepping stones or jumps. The eastern route begins at Stuckgowan farm, a mile south of Ardlui. The path is rough and often boggy, disappearing in places. At least one water crossing is needed, which can be difficult when the flow is high. This route is steeper than the western approach. Both ways lead to the same ridge, where walkers find wide views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills.