Ben Oss

Ben Oss is a Munro in the southern Highlands, standing 1,029 metres high on the Argyll–Perthshire border. It belongs to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, linked to three other Munros in a mountain chain. The peak is rocky and craggy, made of mica schist, with a pointed shape visible from north or south. Its Gaelic name Beinn Os may mean ‘hill of the elk’ or ‘hill of the loch outlet’. A small lochan and stream nearby share the same name, hinting at the former presence of elk. The mountain’s steep northern face falls sharply to Cononish glen, blocking direct approaches. Ben Oss is usually climbed from Dalrigh, just south of Tyndrum, often combined with Beinn Dubhchraig. Walkers reach the summit via one of two ridges, one curving around Coire Garbh to the Bealach Buidhe at 779 metres. Loch Oss lies within Coire Garbh, a roughly 500-by-300-metre body of water. The other ridge heads southwest to a col at 687 metres, linking to Ben Lui. Drainage divides here: northern slopes feed the River Tay, southern slopes drain to Loch Lomond and the Firth of Clyde. The summit is a flattish area with a medium-sized cairn on slabby rocks and grass. It offers fine views of the southern Highlands and the craggy eastern face of Ben Lui. A circular walk can take in the head of Cononish glen, Ben Lui and Beinn Chuirn, returning to Dalrigh. The mountain’s prominence is 342 metres, making it a notable climb within the national park.