Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Ben Lomond — Parking
Rowardennan Car Park · Grid ref NS 359 986 · G63 0AW · Paid — Forestry & Land Scotland charges apply
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NS 359 986
- Postcode (satnav)
- G63 0AW
- Spaces
- ~100
- Cost
- Paid — Forestry & Land Scotland charges apply
- Surface
- tarmac
- Drive from Glasgow
- 1h 5m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 1h 40m
From the car park
The Ben Lomond Tourist Path leaves directly from the south end of Rowardennan car park, signposted clearly. Follow the broad path through forestry and onto open hillside above the tree line. The route climbs the south ridge in steady zigzags — avoid the temptation to shortcut across the heather as this erodes the slope. The car park (NS 359 986) sits beside the loch at 15m elevation.
The walk
Ben Lomond (974m) is Scotland's most southerly Munro and arguably the most visited. The Tourist Route is a 12km return with 950m of ascent — well-graded and path-clear in good conditions. The summit ridge narrows pleasingly and gives views over Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and, on clear days, the Arran peaks. The Ptarmigan Route (descending the north-east ridge) makes a fine circular variation for experienced walkers. Allow 4–6 hours return.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Loch Lomond shoreline access
- Ben Lomond path from car park
Busy times
Ben Lomond is exceptionally busy on summer weekends — the car park fills by 9am and the path is crowded from mid-morning. Bank holidays see cars parked along 2km of the approach road. Weekdays in June and September offer the best experience. The hill is quiet in November–February but demands full winter kit on the upper ridge when snow lies.
Getting here without a car
First Bus 309 from Balloch (which connects from Glasgow Queen Street by train in 45 min) runs to Drymen. Rowardennan is a further 14km on an unserved road, making a taxi or bicycle necessary for the final stretch. In summer, Cruise Loch Lomond operates a water taxi service between Tarbet, Inversnaid and Rowardennan — check current schedules at cruiselochlomond.co.uk.
Winter access
The B837 road to Rowardennan is not treated for ice and can become impassable after snowfall. The car park itself is at lochside level and rarely snowed in, but the approach road through the forest can be treacherous. Check road conditions via Traffic Scotland before travelling in cold spells. The summit ridge holds snow and ice from December through April.
Overflow parking
Limited roadside parking on the minor road below Rowardennan. Check for restrictions.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:26
- Sunset
- 21:05
- Civil dawn
- 04:39
- Civil dusk
- 21:51
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to climb Ben Lomond from Rowardennan?
- The return trip via the Tourist Route takes 4–6 hours for most walkers. The ascent is 5–6km and 950m of height gain. Allow extra time if the upper slopes are snow-covered. The Ptarmigan circular route (north-east ridge descent) adds approximately 1 hour.
- Is the Rowardennan car park pay and display?
- Yes — Forestry & Land Scotland charge for parking at Rowardennan. Payment by coin or card at the machine. Charges vary seasonally; check current rates at forestryandland.gov.scot.
- Can I get to Ben Lomond by boat?
- Yes — Cruise Loch Lomond runs a water taxi service to Rowardennan pier (adjacent to the car park) from Tarbet and Inversnaid in summer. This gives access without using the road. Check current timetables as the service is weather-dependent and seasonal.
- Is Ben Lomond suitable for beginners?
- Ben Lomond via the Tourist Route is considered one of Scotland's more accessible Munros, but it still requires hillwalking experience, appropriate boots, and navigation ability. In winter or poor visibility, it is a serious undertaking. The upper ridge is exposed and the descent requires care.