Highlight • Natural Monument
Ben Lawers summit
Hiking
5.0
(145)
Mountaineering
5.0
(4)
Running
5.0
(1)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
If you’re a Munro-bagger, hiking up Ben Lawers will not only mean you snag Scotland’s tenth-highest, but you can summit Beinn Ghlas on the way up, another Munro and other peaks besides. Thanks to a car park at roughly 1,400 feet (450 m), the peak is wonderfully accessible and the path begins immediately.
Rich in views, flora, fauna and weather
Part of a seven-Munro mountain range in the Southern Highlands, the hiking trails up to Ben Lawers absolutely spoil you for views. The mountain lies just outside the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to the south west. Everywhere you look you’ll see the immense surrounding mountains, green in summer and breathtakingly desolate in winter.
Unless you’re hiking through cloud (certainly not unusual on Ben Lawers), Loch Tay dominates the landscape as you look down from the summit trig point. Simply put, the views are spectacular.
One of the reasons this beloved peak is so special is its incredible variety of rare arctic-alpine plants. Mineral-rich rocks and a perfect altitude allow unusual plants to thrive and the mountain has great importance for botanists. Hiking Ben Lawers will reveal Scotland’s famous wildlife too. Keep an eye out for red deer, ptarmigan and black grouse while walking.
While Ben Lawers’s high car park makes it a technically easy mountain to summit, don’t underestimate the still significant ascent and descent. In good weather, this mountain is stunning but the conditions can change extremely quickly. Even in summer, you’ll find cool temperatures and potentially strong winds.
Due to its popularity, Ben Lawers’ paths suffer erosion. Some sections are one way so keep an eye out for signposts.
Tips
December 13, 2019
Hiking
April 18, 2022
Hiking
October 31, 2022
Hiking
•
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 7 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Ben Lawers summit
4.9
(161)
1,552
hikers
11.5km
04:22
810m
810m
Embark on the Ben Lawers Trail, a moderate hike that takes you through a varied mountainous landscape, offering extensive views across Loch Tay to the south. This route covers 7.1 miles (11.5 km) with an elevation gain of 2656 feet (810 metres), typically taking about 4 hours and 21 minutes to complete. As you ascend towards the summit, you will encounter a network of burns and streams, regenerating native woodland, and a unique 'lunar landscape' near the top.
You will typically begin your hike from the National Trust for Scotland car park, which offers a convenient starting point for your ascent. Be aware that conditions on the Ben Lawers Trail can change quickly, especially in winter. During colder months, the route transforms into a serious mountaineering challenge, requiring specialized gear such as crampons and ice axes due to potential ice and deep snowdrifts. Plan your visit carefully and check forecasts before you go.
This trail is situated within the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, an area renowned for its high peaks and unique alpine flora. On a clear day, as you gain elevation, you might even be able to spot the distant Cairngorms. The reserve's diverse environment, from its regenerating woodlands to its high-altitude 'lunar landscape', makes it a significant natural heritage site in Scotland.
4.9
(158)
1,450
hikers
13.1km
05:03
950m
950m
Embark on a challenging 8.1-mile (13.1 km) hike through the Scottish Highlands, bagging two Munros with a total elevation gain of 3126 feet (953 metres). This difficult loop, typically taking around 5 hours and 2 minutes, offers varied terrain from well-maintained paths to rocky sections requiring some scrambling, especially towards the summit of Ben Lawers. From the top of Ben Lawers, you'll enjoy extensive panoramic views over Loch Tay and the surrounding mountains, while Meall Corranaich provides spectacular vistas back towards the Ben Lawers range and across Glen Lyon.
To prepare for this demanding route, start from the Ben Lawers National Trust for Scotland car park, which already gives you a significant head start at around 400-450 metres elevation. You will need good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy waterproof boots, as some sections can be boggy. Be aware that the difficulty increases considerably in snowy conditions or poor visibility, making careful navigation essential. There are also potential escape routes available if weather conditions deteriorate.
This loop is a popular way to conquer Ben Lawers, the highest peak in the Southern Highlands and the tenth highest Munro in Scotland, along with Meall Corranaich. The area is internationally significant for its rich biodiversity, particularly its rare Alpine flowers and diverse lichen flora, making it a treat for nature enthusiasts. Many parts of the trail feature incredibly well-maintained paths, a notable advantage in the Scottish mountains, ensuring a more pleasant journey through this dramatic landscape.
5.0
(2)
65
hikers
25.5km
11:20
1,980m
1,980m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,180 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 5 May
12°C
3°C
14 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December