Ben Vane, from Inveruglas

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Summary

Ben Vane may be only just high enough to make Munro status, but it is a steep, rocky little mountain with real character, like a wee terrier that refuses to acknowledge its lack of stature amongst its higher neighbours. The ascent is short by hillwalking standards but there are several false tops and the climb is a sustained one.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Track for the approach, then path up steep, rocky hillside.

Public Transport

Citylink buses from Glasgow pass Inveruglas.

Start

Inveruglas visitor centre. 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: 11km / 6.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 930m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN322098

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Vane

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (133)

Stage 1

There is a good sized car park (charge) at the Inveruglas Visitor Centre on the west side of Loch Lomond. There is an information centre as well as a cafe and public toilets. Ben Vane is out of view from here; the prominent conical peak visible to the southwest being A'Chrois. Begin the walk by crossing the road (with care) and turning left on the far side, passing the front of the Inveruglas power station. The giant pipes running down from Ben Vorlich drive the turbines inside. The route becomes a path, then curves right onto a track - follow this, soon returning to the roadside. After almost a kilometre turn right onto a gated tarmac road leading under the railway.

Stage 2

Soon a large electric substation is passed. At a fork ignore a new tarmac track off right, then later ignore a track off left. Later there's a signed path off left - ignore this and continue on the road. The steep and rocky lower slopes of Ben Vorlich tower on the right whilst the more elegant summit of A'Chrois is on the left, rising above a dense blanket of forestry. Ahead is Ben Vane itself, a rough pyramid of rock and grass. Once beyond Coiregrogain the tarmac road curves round to the right, bound for the Loch Sloy dam - another part of the hydro power scheme.

Stage 3

At a junction turn left onto a stonier track, crossing a bridge over the a river. Four hundred metres beyond the bridge the track crosses a burn. Ignore the first boggy path off right here, instead taking a stepped path just beyond that avoids the wet ground. This climbs up to reach a low shoulder at the foot of the ridge leading up to Ben Vane. Excellent views soon open up behind over the forestry and Loch Lomond beyond.

Stage 4

There's a more gradual grassy section before the slope steepens again and the path climbs directly up the mountain. The going is steep and rocky, with erosion in places - zig-zagging to and fro to ease the gradient. If you are expecting the summit to be atop the slope you can see, you're going to be disappointed as several times another steep slope is revealed ahead during the climb. As you gain height there's a stunning view to the right over Loch Sloy.

Stage 5

Higher up the ridge becomes better defined. There are a couple of false tops - one of them with a slight scramble, though there's an easier way off to either side.

Stage 6

Eventually the suprisingly flat summit area is reached; the highest cairn is at the eastern end. The view from here is given great depth by the shape of the mountain; towards Loch Lomond it is stunning but there are higher peaks all around restricting the panorama in other directions. Although it is possible to continue the walk by descending the steep west ridge before ascending to the Glas Bhealach and thus Beinn Ìme, this route is unremittingly tough going and for most walkers Ben Vane is best tackled alone, returning the same way.

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