Ben Donich, via Rest and Be Thankful

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Summary

With a high-level start point, a direct path and fine views, Ben Donich makes an excellent objective for a shorter hillwalk. There is a little rocky ground with a slight scramble down before the summit to add a little character.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

There is a fairly good path for most of the ascent, though it is not continuous on the summit plateau. There is some rocky ground with a short easy scramble at one point. Deep cleft-like cavities beside the path could become a trap when covered in snow.

Public Transport

None to start, but there are bus services to Rest and Be Thankful, around 400m along the road, including from Glasgow, Oban and Helensburgh.

Start

Ben Donich access car park. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.5km / 4.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 575m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN227069

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Ben Donich

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Walk Description

User reports (46)

Stage 1

From the summit of the Rest and Be Thankful pass, take the B828 towards Lochgoilhead; after a short distance a track on the left is signed for Ben Donich access; there is space to park a short distance along it. The mountain is in view from here; begin the ascent by continuing along the track. After a short distance it reaches a junction; continue straight ahead past the Forestry sign for Gleann Mòr .

Stage 2

Once beyond the trees a clear path signed for Ben Donich goes off to the left. This well constructed path climbs through a felled area at first before swinging left and passing through some trees to reach a gate in a fence. Go through this, on the far side the path becomes much rougher as it climbs to the right and then meanders up to gain a foothold on the fairly indistinct north ridge. There are good views down forested Gleann Mòr as well as back over the Rest and Be Thankful to Loch Restil, with Beinn an Lochain towering above it.

Stage 3

The path climbs a winding route up the grassy slopes, with one short flattening before an area of undulating ground is reached at around 650 metres. The views continue to be excellent, with The Cobbler taking pride of place. Higher up there are a number of rocky fissures - narrow slit-like openings in the ground, some of which are very deep. Although easily avoided in summer they could cause a hazard if hidden by snow.

Stage 4

There is another steeper section of ascent as the hill becomes increasingly rocky. At one point there is a short downwards scramble to negotiate - it is straightforward with care - and this is followed by a short section of ridge made up of rocky blocks. Beyond this is a steep section of path climbs up another grassy slope to reach the beginning of the summit plateau.

Stage 5

The clear path crosses the knolly plateau area which can be a little disorientating in poor visability to reach the trig point at the summit. Given clear conditions, however, superb views can be enjoyed, taking in summits from ever-graceful Ben Lomond to towering Beinn Ìme and Beinn Narnain, as well as the length of Loch Goil. The summit itself is a Corbett at 847 metres overlooking Lochgoilhead far below.

Stage 6

It is possible to link Ben Donich with The Brack, another Corbett, but the more usual option is to retrace your steps back to the start.