Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Ben Lomond — Parking
Rowardennan Car Park · Grid ref NS 359 986 · G63 0AR · £2 up to 1 hour, £5 all day (FLS)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NS 359 986
- Postcode (satnav)
- G63 0AR
- Spaces
- One large car park at the end of the road; Forestry and Land Scotland give no space count.
- Cost
- £2 up to 1 hour, £5 all day (FLS)
- Surface
- tarmac
- Drive from Glasgow
- 1h 5m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 1h 40m
Parking charge: £2 for up to 1 hour, £5 for all day, £14 for a minibus or coach all day; Blue Badge holders park free; pay by coins, card or RingGo — Forestry and Land Scotland, Rowardennan visitor information (forestryandland.gov.scot, read 28 Oct 2026). FLS give G63 0AR as the nearest postcode.
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.
Heading for the top? Ben Lomond weather — wind, cloud & which forecast to use →
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 (open Easter to October, per FLS)
- Loch Lomond shoreline access
- Ben Lomond path from car park
Busy times
Ben Lomond is exceptionally busy on summer weekends — the car park fills early 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
FLS are blunt: "There are no buses to Rowardennan." The nearest bus is the McColls Travel 309 (Alexandria – Balmaha via Drymen, per bustimes.org, read 28 Oct 2026), which leaves you at Balmaha with the rest of the road still to cover. In summer, FLS say a ferry runs from Tarbet and Luss on the opposite bank (Cruise Loch Lomond) — check the current timetable, as it is seasonal.
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
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:41
- Civil dawn
- 06:43
- Civil dusk
- 17:21
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 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 and Land Scotland charge £2 for up to 1 hour, £5 for all day and £14 all day for a minibus or coach; Blue Badge holders park free, and you can pay by coins, card or RingGo (FLS Rowardennan visitor information, read 28 Oct 2026).
- Can I get to Ben Lomond by boat?
- In summer, yes. FLS say a ferry runs to Rowardennan from Tarbet and Luss on the opposite bank, operated by Cruise Loch Lomond. Check the current timetable, as it is seasonal and weather-dependent.
- 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.
Hill days by email
One email a week — new route guides, parking and access updates and seasonal conditions. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.