Are you ready for an adventure? Hiking Ben Vorlich, a beautiful Scottish mountain, is an exciting challenge that offers some spectacular views of the Scottish landscape. A recommended hike and here are a few tips to make your hike more manageable, so grab your hiking boots (and poles) and let’s get started!
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Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn)
Hiking the Loch Earn Ben Vorlich was a bit of an accident as we were going to be hiking somewhere else. Secretly I was hoping to go to Schiehallion but we started the day a bit late for that. So when my brother Paul picked me up, he suggested Ben Vorlich.
The day was bright sunny August afternoon but we weren’t taking any chances. If you know the Scottish weather (or any weather near mountainous terrain), you know it is a bit unpredictable. And weather reports are seldom accurate.
Where Is Ben Vorlich?
There are actually two Ben Vorlichs. The ‘other’ one is over by Loch Lomond but the one we are looking at here is the Ben Vorlich by the village of Lochearnhead in Perthshire off the A84 Stirling to Crianlarich road.
Ben Vorlich Loch Earn
Ben Vorlich (FK19 8QF) is a 985 metre (3231 ft) Munro [What is a Munro?] in Scotland which was listed on my new-favourite app Alltrails.
Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)
Ben Vorlich (G83 7DS) at Loch Lomond is located to the west of Arvorlich of Loch Lomond and East of Loch Sloy. The usual route, though steep, is from the Loch Sloy side. However, a more interesting route can be had from Ardlui.
Planning Your Hiking Trip
Where To Park For Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn)
You could park on the north bank of Loch Earn where there are public toilets but that’s an extra 3 miles of steps (each way).
Our trail to the summit of Ben Vorlich started from a parking space along the S Earn Loch Road where the Ardvorlich Burn meets Loch Earn. After leaving Lochearnhead (A84), you take the 2nd left (S Loch Earn Road) passing Edinample Castle.
When planning your hike to anywhere, it’s important to consider the trail’s difficulty, your own physical fitness level, and the weather forecast. The trail to the summit of Ben Vorlich, located near Loch Earn, is considered moderate to challenging, so it’s important to be in good physical shape before attempting the hike. And as we all know, Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast and come prepared for any conditions.
Recommended Hiking Gear
To ensure a safe and successful hike, it’s important to have the right gear. Here is a list of items that may be useful to bring on a hike in the Scottish highlands:
- Proper footwear: waterproof and sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction.
- Clothing: layers of warm and waterproof clothing, including a waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Backpack: to carry all of your gear.
- Water and a water filter or purification tablets: to ensure you have a reliable source of drinking water.
- Food: enough to last the duration of your hike, including high-energy snacks.
- Maps and compass: to navigate and orient yourself in the wilderness.
- Headlamp or flashlight: in case you end up hiking in the dark.
- First aid kit: including basic medical supplies, such as bandages, pain relievers, and a personal medication.
- Emergency shelter: such as a tarp or bivy sack, in case you need to spend the night unexpectedly.
- Emergency signaling device: such as a whistle or flare, to signal for help in case of an emergency.
- Sun protection: such as sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
- Insect repellent: to protect yourself from biting insects such as midges.
- Personal hygiene essentials: such as wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
- A change of clothes and a warm hat and gloves for the evening, even in summer it can get quite chilly.
- It’s always a good idea to inform someone of your plans and expected return time, and to check the weather forecast before you set off. Also, consider bringing a camera to capture the beautiful views of Scottish highlands.
Learn how to read a map and terrain since phones, batteries can die or lose signal – even GPS!
How hard is it to Climb Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn)?
It was quite a tough one at certain points. The first quarter to high mile was certainly lulling us both into a fall sense of security. Ben Vorlich is considered a moderate to challenging hike, so it’s maybe not recommended for beginners. The trail is steep in some sections, and the terrain can be challenging. But with determination and a good pair of hiking boots and probably a set of poles, you’ll be at the top in no time.
How to climb Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn)
There are a few trails available and you could walk for miles. When we got to the top we were deliberating on whether to do the ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin route. But the clouds were telling us “maybe not this time.”
The route we chose was a simple South to North from the banks of Loch Earn to the summit of Ben Vorlich and back. It was well-marked and the path is clearly visible, but there are some steep inclines and rocky terrain, so be prepared for a bit of a workout.
But don’t worry, the views are worth it!
Sadly we couldn’t spend more time clocking up the summits around us. Here are a few to get your steps in on:
- Ben Our (2405ft),
- Sgiath a Chaise,
- Beinn Loinne,
- Beinn Each,
- Ben Ledi,
- Uamh Mhór,
- Meall na Faema,
- Creag Each,
- Beinn Dearg,
- Mor Bheinn,
- Benvane and more.
The AllTrails app described the trail as Hard. But looking up the trail ahead, it didn’t seem that bad. What we should have done, was read the comments!
Here are a couple from the Alltrails App for the Ben Vorlich Route!
How long does it take to walk up Ben Vorlich?
The head of our 6.1-mile out-and-back trail takes an average of 4 h 44 min to complete. We ended up spending about 3.5 hours walking 6.9 miles up and straight back down.
I recommend taking your time and enjoying the journey, not just the destination. The views are stunning and you don’t want to miss a thing.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views. From the top, you can see the surrounding mountains, including Stuc a’ Chroin (Cloven Hoof Peak), and the beautiful Loch Earn. Take some time to enjoy the view, snap some photos, and even have a picnic. You’ve earned it!
Hiking Ben Vorlich is an adventure that offers stunning views and an exhilarating challenge. With the right planning and preparation, you can enjoy a safe and successful hike to the summit. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on an unforgettable Scottish adventure. And remember, the views from the top are worth the climb!
Alltrails App
The Alltrails App is really simple to use as you can browse available routes nearby and filter them by Activity, Difficulty and other attributes. So if you are Hiking, Mountain biking, skiing or just looking for a great place to fish, this app will list the places. You can even add your own.
Another useful feature is finding the starting point of the trail which really helped this trip at Ben Vorlich. It even tracked the path as we hiked and we could see where the trail was on the screen through the GPS.
Available on Android and Apple – Try AllTrails Free
[What is a Munro?] A munro is any mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet (914.4 m). WIKI
