Munro · Arrochar & Trossachs
Ben Vorlich
Ben Vorlich (943m) — the Loch Lomond / Loch Sloy version, distinct from the Loch Earn Ben Vorlich — is the easternmost of the Arrochar Alps proper, sitting above the Loch Sloy hydroelectric scheme. The hill rises directly out of Loch Lomond on its western shore, giving one of the great views east across the loch to the lowlands beyond. Often climbed as a standalone day from the Loch Sloy access road or from Inveruglas on the A82.
Quick facts
- Height
- 942.8m/ 3093ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 830 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN295124
- Parking
- NN323098
- Nearest city
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
Path from glen 35% · Open hillside 40% · Summit ridge 25%
Park at Inveruglas car park on the A82 west shore of Loch Lomond. Take the Loch Sloy access road south-west under the railway, then climb the steep south-east ridge of Ben Vorlich directly to the broken summit ridge — there are several rocky outcrops including a north and south top. Return reverses the line. Around 12km return with 940m of ascent.
Terrain
The Loch Sloy access road climbs steeply under the West Highland Line. The south-east ridge of Ben Vorlich is sustained heather and broken mica-schist with a faint braided path. The summit ridge has several rocky outcrops with two distinct tops (north and south); the north top at NN295124 is the higher Munro. Loch Sloy reservoir gives the hill a slightly industrial feel.
In winter
A serious mid-grade winter Munro by Arrochar Alps standards. The east face above Loch Sloy gathers wind-loaded snow during westerly storms. The summit ridge and rocky outcrops glaze readily in winter. The A82 corridor at Inveruglas stays gritted. Phone signal at the road is good; fades on the high ridge. SAIS Southern Cairngorms is the closest formal forecast indicator.
This hill is in the Southern Highlands SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 19m
- Edinburgh2h 12m
OS maps: OS Landranger 50, OS Landranger 56
Mobile signal: Good signal at South Loch Earn road car park and in the glen. Signal weakens above 700m but generally better coverage than many Munros.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:33
- Civil dusk
- 23:03
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
On a long-distance route
Ben Vorlich sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Ben Vorlich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ben Vorlich — common questions
- How hard is Ben Vorlich?
- Ben Vorlich is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 830m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Loch Sloy access road climbs steeply under the West Highland Line.
- Where do I park for Ben Vorlich?
- Standard parking is at NN323098 near Oban. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Ben Vorlich?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Vorlich 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 Vorlich?
- 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 Vorlich?
- Good signal at South Loch Earn road car park and in the glen. Signal weakens above 700m but generally better coverage than many Munros.
- Is Ben Vorlich safe in winter?
- A serious mid-grade winter Munro by Arrochar Alps standards. The east face above Loch Sloy gathers wind-loaded snow during westerly storms. The summit ridge and rocky outcrops glaze readily in winter. The A82 corridor at Inveruglas stays gritted. Phone signal at the road is good; fades on the high ridge. SAIS Southern Cairngorms is the closest formal forecast indicator.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.