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Hills and mountains

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is Scotland's most southerly Munro and one of our most iconic mountains. It is protected and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, which operates a ranger service from its base at Rowardennan on the east shore of Loch Lomond. Ben Lomond rises to 974m and is most easily accessed from Rowardennan, from where there is a well maintained, easy to follow, but strenuous route to the top that is tackled by over 30,000 walkers each year.

Good quality walking gear and reasonable level of fitness are essential. The views from the peak are breath-taking and there is a harder, alternative descent for experienced walkers. Bus services run to nearby Balmaha (6 miles) and a Water Bus service operates between Tarbet and Rowardennan. Find routes and info for Ben Lomond at Walk Highlands.

The Cobbler/Ben Arthur

The Cobbler is a distinctive mountain with two peaks in the spectacular Arrochar Alps at the north end of Loch Long. Its proper name is Ben Arthur and it rises to 883m at its highest point. An 11km path starts from Succoth car park to the west of Arrochar and provides a popular and well maintained route to both peaks, but good walking gear and experience of hill walking are essential, especially as the final ascents require some scrambling, rock climbing and a good head for heights. However, the views are panoramic. Find routes and info for The Cobbler at Walk Highlands.

Arrochar can be reached on trains that run along the West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street, and on CityLink buses between Glasgow and Campbeltown.

 

The Dumpling

The Dumpling is a small hill to the south of Loch Lomond whose official name is Duncryne. Although it rises to no more that 142m, the short and easy ascent of just over 1km gives what many consider to be the best view of Loch Lomond with an endless vista that stretches from the low lying southern shores to the high mountains at the north. In autumn, it is also an outstanding vantage point to see flocks of geese flying into their winter pastures on the Endrick marches.

The path up The Dumpling is signposted from parking close to the centre of Gartocharn village, just to the east of Balloch. Gartocharn has regular bus services to and from Balloch. Find routes and info for The Dumpling at Walk Highlands.

Conic Hill

This 3 mile circular walk takes you to the summit of the prominent hill with outstanding views of the Loch, islands and surrounding hills. Writer Sir Walter Scott thought it "One of the most surprising, beautiful and sublime spectacles in nature” and its popularity as a favourite walk and activity in Loch Lomond continues today. Find routes and info for Conic Hill at Walk Highlands.

Further information on a selection of other local hills and mountains can be found at Walk Highlands.