Ardvorlich via the north ridge up Ben Vorlich: route map, distance and time
985 m · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Ben Vorlich is the pointed Munro on the south side of Loch Earn, climbed from Ardvorlich by a clear ridge path and often paired with Stuc a' Chroin.
A track climbs Glen Vorlich, then a path follows the north ridge to the summit trig point.
Ardvorlich via the north ridge at a glance
| Distance | 4.0 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 746 m |
| Time up | 2h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 50m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Ardvorlich, south Loch Earn road |
| Start grid reference | NN 630 219 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 629 189 |
Ardvorlich via the north ridge 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
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Ardvorlich via the north ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 40m | 2h 20m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 2h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 30m | 3h 30m |
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 07:16, sunset 16:44. Start by 12:54 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:42. Start by 12:52 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Ben Vorlich summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Ben Vorlich right now. The main Ben Vorlich page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Ben Vorlich forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
About Ben Vorlich
Ben Vorlich is the pointed Munro on the south side of Loch Earn, climbed from Ardvorlich by a clear ridge path and often paired with Stuc a' Chroin. More about Ben Vorlich, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Stuc a Chroin (973 m), 1.9 km south-west
- Stuc a' Chroin (973 m), 1.9 km south-west
- Meall na Fearna (810 m), 2.2 km east
Challenges that include Ben Vorlich
More walks from Ardvorlich, south Loch Earn road
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Ardvorlich via Ben Vorlich up Stuc a' Chroin
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 630 219, the summit at NN 629 189), 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.
Ardvorlich via the north ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Ardvorlich via the north ridge?
The Ardvorlich via the north ridge is 4.0 km one way to the summit of Ben Vorlich, with 746 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 8.0 km.
How long does the Ardvorlich via the north ridge take?
About 2h 5m to the summit of Ben Vorlich and 2h 50m 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 3h 30m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Ardvorlich via the north ridge?
The Ardvorlich via the north ridge starts from Ardvorlich, south Loch Earn road. The grid reference is NN 630 219.
Is the Ardvorlich via the north ridge 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 Ardvorlich via the north ridge today?
By 12:54 at the latest. Sunset on Ben Vorlich today is 16:44, The Ardvorlich via the north ridge takes about 2h 50m 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 Ardvorlich via the north ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).