Rowardennan tourist path up Ben Lomond: route map, distance and time
974 m · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro, rising above the east shore of Loch Lomond and climbed from Rowardennan by the tourist path or Ptarmigan ridge.
A path climbs through woodland onto a long, broad ridge, then up a steeper final section to the summit.
Rowardennan tourist path at a glance
| Distance | 5.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 967 m |
| Time up | 2h 45m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 55m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Rowardennan car park |
| Start grid reference | NS 360 985 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 367 028 |
Rowardennan tourist path map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- The Clansman0.2 km
- Public toilets0.1 km
- Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel0.9 km
- Lochan Maol Dhuinne Camping permit area March-September0.9 km
- Inverbeg Holiday Park1.3 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Rowardennan tourist path takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 45m | 3h 55m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 25m | 4h 50m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:56, sunset 18:10. Start by 13:15 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:58, sunset 18:08. Start by 13:13 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Ben Lomond summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Clear sky, up to 3°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -7°C, summit wind 12 mph gusting 15 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:56, sunset 18:10.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Overcast, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -5°C, summit wind 32 mph gusting 40 mph, 9% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:58, sunset 18:08.
Best day of the next seven for the Rowardennan tourist path: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 15 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 48% (Marginal), best around 08:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Ben Lomond forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Ben Lomond?
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -7°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro, rising above the east shore of Loch Lomond and climbed from Rowardennan by the tourist path or Ptarmigan ridge. More about Ben Lomond, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Cruinn a' Bheinn (633 m), 2.3 km north
Challenges that include Ben Lomond
Other routes up Ben Lomond
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ptarmigan Ridge from Rowardennan | 5.7 km one way | 970 m | 2h 45m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NS 360 985, the summit at NN 367 028), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Rowardennan tourist path: questions and answers
How far is the Rowardennan tourist path?
The Rowardennan tourist path is 5.8 km one way to the summit of Ben Lomond, with 967 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 11.6 km.
How long does the Rowardennan tourist path take?
About 2h 45m to the summit of Ben Lomond and 3h 55m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 50m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Rowardennan tourist path?
The Rowardennan tourist path starts from Rowardennan car park. The grid reference is NS 360 985.
Is the Rowardennan tourist path suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Rowardennan tourist path today?
By 13:15 at the latest. Sunset on Ben Lomond today is 18:10, The Rowardennan tourist path takes about 3h 55m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Rowardennan tourist path?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).