Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, located in the heart of Scotland, offers visitors the chance to explore 21 stunning Munros, which are Scottish mountains with a summit of over 3000ft. These peaks not only provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, but also present a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to challenge themselves with rewarding adventures.
Among the 21 Munros in the National Park, Ben Lomond holds a special place as the most popular and accessible Munro, standing at 3,195ft (974m). Situated approximately 40 miles northwest of Glasgow, this mountain’s clear and gradual path attracts hillwalkers from around the world who wish to immerse themselves in the majestic beauty of Loch Lomond.
Another notable Munro in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park include Ben More, with a summit at 1174m. Collectively, these Munros offer diverse trails and terrains suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers, making Loch Lomond an ideal destination for those looking to experience Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich natural heritage.
Overview of Loch Lomond Munros
Geographical Location
Loch Lomond is situated in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in Scotland, approximately 40 miles northwest of Glasgow. This stunning area is famous for its beautiful landscapes, tranquil lochs, and rolling hills. The national park is home to numerous Munros, which are mountains with a summit of more than 3,000ft (914m) in height, making it a popular destination for hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Number of Munros
Within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, there are 21 Munros that attract climbers and hikers from all around the globe. Some of these notable peaks include:
- Ben More (1174m), located near Crianlarich
- Stob Binnein (1165m), also near Crianlarich
- Ben Lui (1130m), situated near Tyndrum
Most Munros in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park have marked trails and require minimal navigation skills. However, there are more challenging routes available for those seeking a more adventurous experience.
Here are a few examples of the easier Munro walks in the park:
- Ben Lomond (974m)
- Beinn Narnain (926m)
- Beinn Ìme (1011m)
- Ben Vane (915m)
- Ben Vorlich (943m)
In summary, Loch Lomond boasts an impressive number of Munros, making it a premier destination for hillwalking enthusiasts. With varying levels of difficulty, these towering peaks are suitable for both novice and experienced climbers, offering rewarding views and unforgettable experiences.
Most Popular Loch Lomond Munros
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond, standing at 974m (3,195ft), is the most southerly Munro in Loch Lomond and the entire Scotland. Located only 40 miles northwest of Glasgow, it is considered the most popular destination for hillwalkers due to its close proximity to the city. The summit is frequently visited by 18,000 people annually, making it even more popular than the well-known Ben Nevis. The clear path and accessibility also make it an ideal choice for beginners and tourists. From the summit, climbers can enjoy stunning views of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Beinn Narnain
- Height: 926m (3,038ft)
- Classification: Munro
Beinn Narnain is another popular Munro situated in the Arrochar Alps area of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Connected to the nearby Beinn Ime by a bealach (a low, pass-like point between two peaks), this mountain offers a challenging but rewarding climb. Known for its stunning views and rocky terrain, Beinn Narnain is a popular destination for experienced hillwalkers and adventure seekers.
Beinn Ime
- Height: 1,014m (3,327ft)
- Classification: Munro
Located in the Arrochar Alps, Beinn Ime is the highest peak within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Mountain Range. Its smooth, grassy slopes contrast with the rocky terrain of the adjacent Beinn Narnain. Reaching Beinn Ime’s summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lochs. The peak’s popularity results from its accessibility and well-defined path, leading to a relatively straightforward climb for hillwalkers of varying skill levels.
Climbing and Hiking Tips
Safety Precautions
When venturing out to climb Loch Lomond Munros, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Before embarking on your hike, ensure you have a clear understanding of the route you plan to take and familiarise yourself with the terrain. Always check the weather forecast for the day, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. If you are new to Munro bagging, consider joining a guided group or going with experienced hikers.
Additionally, it’s essential to know your limits and not overexert yourself. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes or during warmer months.
Recommended Equipment
Proper equipment is vital for a safe and enjoyable Munro climbing experience. Here is a list of recommended gear:
- Appropriate footwear: Hiking boots with ankle support and good grip.
- Layered clothing: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating middle layer, and windproof and waterproof outer layers.
- Map and compass: Even if you have a GPS device or smartphone app, always bring a map and compass as a backup.
- Emergency whistle: Useful for alerting others to your presence in case of an accident.
- First-aid kit: Ensure it includes items such as bandages, plasters, pain relief, and blister prevention.
- Head torch: This can be helpful in case your hike takes longer than expected or in poor visibility conditions.
- Food and water: Bring plenty of snacks and at least 1-2 litres of water per person.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Loch Lomond Munros is from late spring to early autumn, typically between May and September. During this period, the weather is more favourable for hiking, with milder temperatures and a lower likelihood of adverse conditions. However, always keep in mind that mountain weather can be unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly. Remember to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.
It is the beautiful scenery of the Highland Boundary Fault which makes hill walking around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs an unforgettable experience. With views on forests, lochs, farmland, hills and rivers, hill walking in this area is something special. Munros are mountains in Scotland higher than 3000ft (914m) and at present there are 283 Munros in Scotland. They are named after Sir Hugh Munro, 4th Baronet, who produced the first list of such hills, known as “Munros Tables”, in 1891. The smaller mountains between 2500ft and 3000ft are called Corbetts. There are currently 220 Corbetts in Scotland and one of the most climbed has got to be Ben Arthur, also known as “The Cobbler”. This is a fantastic mountain of 3 peaks, forming part of the Arrocher Alps and we include it in this section due to its popularity with many climbers, walkers and mountaineers.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park offers a great range of Hills and Munros for the size of the park area. The most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond, is well-known among hill walkers and because of its location relatively easy to reach from Glasgow or Edinburgh. Even though there are higher Munros further North of Scotland, The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has a few challenging walks as well. For those who don’t want to climb a mountain, there are also many waymarked and unmarked walks of all levels with fantastic views. Go to our walking routes page for more details of walks and paths around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Below are 14 of the main Munros and Corbetts from the famous and popular Ben Lomond to Ben Challum in the North of the National Park area. Click on the buttons for some general information about each mountain including the Grid Reference of the summit and car parking possibilities.
Map of The Mountains in The Trossachs
The routes described on these pages are for guidance only. Although most Scottish mountains are not of great height the weather can change suddenly which can make navigation dangerous or at least very difficult. You should ensure that you have the proper equipment for all circumstances and to not underestimate the effects of the weather. We recommend you have at least a good waterproof jacket and proper walking boots. If you are a novice hillwalker then always go with someone or join a group with experienced walkers in the group.
Before setting off, ensure that you are familiar with The Scottish Outdoor Access Code and abide by the instructions in the code and please, take only photographs and leave only footprints.