Munro · Arrochar & Trossachs
Ben Oss
Ben Oss (1029m) is the more retiring partner of the famous Ben Lui above Tyndrum, separated from Lui by a high bealach that gives the two summits their natural pairing. Despite living in Lui's shadow Ben Oss has its own fine character — a long, sustained ridge ascent with views west across the heart of the Crianlarich hills. The hill is almost always climbed in combination with Ben Lui on a classic two-Munro day from Coninish.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1029.8m/ 3379ft
- Prominence
- 341 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 906 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN287253
- Parking
- NN343291
- Nearest city
- Oban· 43km
- 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
Coninish track 30% · Open hillside 40% · Summit ridge 30%
Park at Dalrigh on the A82 just south-east of Tyndrum. Walk south on the West Highland Way and turn west on the Coninish farm track. From the farm, climb the long broad north ridge of Ben Oss directly — initially through forestry, then on open hillside to the summit. Most parties continue west over the high bealach to Ben Lui, returning via the same Coninish farm track. Around 19km with 1300m of ascent for the pair; Ben Oss alone is 15km with 900m up.
Terrain
The Coninish farm track is firm landrover surface. Above the farm the going is wet bog and rough pasture before the climb begins. The north ridge of Ben Oss is broad grass and broken mica-schist with a clear path. The summit area is a flat top with a small cairn. The high bealach connecting to Ben Lui is broad and grassy. The descent off Lui to return is steep grass — slippery in the wet.
In winter
A serious mid-grade winter Munro. The Ben Lui east face above the bealach holds a recognised avalanche slope; Ben Oss is less hazardous but still requires winter respect. Persistent cornice build-up is normal on the north-east summit ridge. The A82 itself stays reliably gritted and Tyndrum is a useful winter base. For avalanche forecasting consult SAIS Southern Cairngorms as the nearest regional source. Phone reception fades above 700m.
This hill is in the Southern Highlands SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 36m
- Edinburgh2h 20m
OS maps: OS Landranger 50
Mobile signal: Reasonable signal at Tyndrum. Signal weakens above 700m. Stash maps before the walk-in from Tyndrum.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:04
- Sunset
- 21:47
- Civil dawn
- 04:11
- Civil dusk
- 22:41
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Ben Oss.
Around Ben Oss on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ben Oss — common questions
- How hard is Ben Oss?
- We grade Ben Oss at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. The usual route is around 17km with 906m of climbing; allow 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Coninish farm track is firm landrover surface.
- How prominent is Ben Oss?
- Ben Oss has 341m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Ben Oss?
- Standard parking is at NN343291. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Ben Oss?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Oss are 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 Oss?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Ben Oss?
- Reasonable signal at Tyndrum. Signal weakens above 700m. Stash maps before the walk-in from Tyndrum.
- Is Ben Oss safe in winter?
- A serious mid-grade winter Munro. The Ben Lui east face above the bealach holds a recognised avalanche slope; Ben Oss is less hazardous but still requires winter respect. Persistent cornice build-up is normal on the north-east summit ridge. The A82 itself stays reliably gritted and Tyndrum is a useful winter base. For avalanche forecasting consult SAIS Southern Cairngorms as the nearest regional source. Phone reception fades above 700m.
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