Munro · Arrochar & Trossachs
Ben Vane
Ben Vane (915m) — "the middle hill" — is the smallest of the Arrochar Alps Munros but probably the steepest for its height, a striking pyramidal cone above Inveruglas on Loch Lomond. The summit is a small rocky platform with views over Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond and across to Beinn Ime. Almost always climbed by the direct east face from Inveruglas — there are no easy lines.
Quick facts
- Height
- 915.76m/ 3004ft
- Prominence
- 424 m
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 806 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN277098
- Parking
- NN323098
- Nearest city
- Oban· 46km
- 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
Inveruglas path 25% · Very steep hillside 55% · Summit 20%
Park at the Inveruglas visitor centre on the A82 and take the hydro access road north-west towards Loch Sloy. After 2km branch left up the steep east shoulder via a worn but unrelenting path that climbs almost 800m in 2km. The summit is a series of small rocky tops; the official cairn is at the western end. Around 12km return with 900m of ascent.
Terrain
The hydro road approach is firm tarmac and gravel. Above, the ascent is one of the steepest constant-angle climbs on any Munro — a worn earth path with rocky steps gaining 800m in barely 2km. The summit area is small rocky platforms and short turf with a small cairn marking the high point.
In winter
A surprisingly serious winter hill given its low altitude. The relentless steep east face becomes very avalanche-prone after westerly snowfall and the descent in iced conditions is committing. SAIS does not formally cover the Arrochar Alps; check MWIS West Highlands. The A82 stays open at Inveruglas in normal conditions.
This hill is in the Southern Highlands SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 18m
- Edinburgh2h 13m
OS maps: OS Landranger 56
Mobile signal: Reasonable signal at Ardlui on Loch Lomond. Reception tails off above 600m. Download maps before leaving the car from Ardlui.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:05
- Sunset
- 21:46
- Civil dawn
- 04:12
- Civil dusk
- 22:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Ben Vane.
On a long-distance route
Ben Vane sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Ben Vane on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ben Vane — common questions
- How difficult is Ben Vane?
- Ben Vane carries a 4/5 (challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 16km, 806m of ascent and a 5-8 hour day on the standard route. Underfoot: The hydro road approach is firm tarmac and gravel.
- What is Ben Vane's prominence?
- 424m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Ben Vane to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Ben Vane?
- Most walkers start from NN323098. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Ben Vane?
- May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Ben Vane. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Ben Vane dog-friendly?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Ben Vane?
- Reasonable signal at Ardlui on Loch Lomond. Reception tails off above 600m. Download maps before leaving the car from Ardlui.
- Is Ben Vane safe in winter?
- A surprisingly serious winter hill given its low altitude. The relentless steep east face becomes very avalanche-prone after westerly snowfall and the descent in iced conditions is committing. SAIS does not formally cover the Arrochar Alps; check MWIS West Highlands. The A82 stays open at Inveruglas in normal conditions.
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