Marilyn · Perthshire
Ben Bowie
Ben Bowie is the 313m forested hill above Helensburgh and Cardross, at NS 339 828. Its summit trig point sits on a small clearing in spruce plantation, but a short walk west of the trig opens up an enormous panorama of the Clyde estuary, with Dumbarton Rock, Greenock and the Cowal hills laid out below.
Quick facts
- Height
- 313m/ 1027ft
- Prominence
- 221 m
- Grid ref
- NS 33995 82878
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 31km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
woodland paths 25% · heather moorland 50% · grassy summit 25%
From the layby on the minor road between Renton and Helensburgh north of Hill of Camis Eskan, follow the forest road north into the plantation. A signed branch path climbs west onto the open summit knoll and the OS pillar.
Terrain
Wide forest roads with one short pull on a muddy track to the open summit. The trig point clearing is rough grass with reedy patches. No exposure.
In winter
A coastal hill at 313m where snow is rare and short-lived; ice on the gritty forest road after a freeze is the main hazard. The exposed summit clearing can be wind-blasted in westerly gales — even mild winter days can feel raw.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 8m
- Edinburgh4h 49m
OS maps: OS Landranger 56, OS Explorer 0038, OS Explorer 347
Mobile signal: Good signal throughout; EE reliable. Fine Clyde estuary and Loch Lomond views.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:18
- Sunset
- 21:32
- Civil dawn
- 04:29
- Civil dusk
- 22:21
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Ben Bowie on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ben Bowie — common questions
- How difficult is Ben Bowie?
- Ben Bowie carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Wide forest roads with one short pull on a muddy track to the open summit.
- How prominent is Ben Bowie?
- Ben Bowie has 221m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Ben Bowie?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Bowie are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Ben Bowie?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Ben Bowie?
- Good signal throughout; EE reliable. Fine Clyde estuary and Loch Lomond views.
- Is Ben Bowie safe in winter?
- A coastal hill at 313m where snow is rare and short-lived; ice on the gritty forest road after a freeze is the main hazard. The exposed summit clearing can be wind-blasted in westerly gales — even mild winter days can feel raw.
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