Ben Vorlich via Loch Sloy

Summary

Ben Vorlich is a bulky and very rugged mountain, the most northerly of the Arrochar Alps. It is possible to walk a fine circuit taking in the Little Hills from Ardlui to the north, but the ascent here, from Inveruglas via the Loch Sloy dam road, is the quickest and most popular. The ascent is steep but the views are superb.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good tracks for the approach then very steep climb on hill path; broad rocky ridge above.

Getting there

Start

Inveruglas visitor centre.

Public Transport

Buses on Glasgow-Fort William route stop at Inveruglas.

Start Grid Ref

NN322098

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km / 8.5 miles
Time: 5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 945m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Vorlich

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Walk Description

User reports (121)

Stage 1

There is a good sized car park (charge) at Inveruglas on the west side of Loch Lomond. Begin the walk by crossing the main road 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 soon follows an off road path, at a track turn left past a SSE vehicle barrier and then right to continue the off road path. After almost a kilometre turn right onto a gated tarmac road leading under the railway.

Stage 2

As you head uphill take the rough path on the left to shortcut the road bend. The gradient eases and there are good views ahead with a large electric substation also visible. When the track forks keep left and then ignore the entrance to the substation on the left. The steep, featureless 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. The road descends to a green fingerpost for a path to Arrochar on the left - ignore this and continue on the road. Ben Vane is now in view directly ahead, a rough pyramid of rock and grass. Beyond Coiregrogain ignore another left turn signed for the Glen Loin Loop and instead follow the tarmac road as it bends to the right towards the Loch Sloy dam - another part of the hydro power scheme that supplies water to the power station at Inveruglas via a tunnel right under Ben Vorlich.

Stage 3

About a kilometre short of the dam a stone pitched footpath heads off to the right. Turn up right here to begin an unremittingly steep and tiring ascent. The path has been much improved and soon gives fine views look back to Ben Vane and towards the Loch Sloy dam.

Stage 4

The gradient eases only slightly as the path heads up the shallow, grassy coire of Lag Dubh. Further on it turns to the north, climbing steeply once more and then aiming up a minor rocky ridge on the western flank of Ben Vorlich. Continue up the path for a rocky section - with the first views out towards Loch Lomond visible looking back.

Stage 5

Eventually the path emerges on the main ridge of the mountain - though it's a broad and rocky affair. The path keeps to the east side at first before climbing once more, eventually leading up to reach a trig point and cairn.

Stage 6

The true summit of Ben Vorlich is not here but at another cairn two hundred metres further along atop a small crag. The views are excellent, with Ben Lui looking majestic to the north.

Stage 7

It is possible to descend over Stob nan Còinnich to Ardlui, or down the complicated terrain of the Little Hills ridge to Stuckendroin, but both of these routes end a long way from Inveruglas, so for most the best option is probably to retrace your route of ascent. Head back to the trig point - which has a sensational view of Loch Lomond and its islands - and continue retracing your steps back down the path and then the hydro road to return to the start.

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