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Ben Vorlich via Loch Sloy

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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.

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Citylink buses from Glasgow run along the shores of Loch Lomond past Inveruglas.

Start

Inveruglas visitor centre. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km / 8.5 miles
Time: 5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 945m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN322098

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Vorlich

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Accommodation

Walk Description

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 here as well as a cafe and public toilets. Begin the walk by following the new path on the opposite side of the A82 southwards beside the road. The giant pipes running down from Ben Vorlich drive the turbines of the Sloy hydro-electric power station on the other side of the road. The power station was commissioned in 1950 to supply electricity to Glasgow at times of peak demand - the great advantage of hydro-schemes is that energy is stored by the height of the water and can be released very quickly. After almost a kilometre turn right onto a gated tarmac road leading under the railway.

Stage 2

Soon a large electric substation is passed on the left - ignore a tarred track heading off right here. 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. Ignore a turning off to the left on a minor track signed as part of the Cowal Way and Glen Loin loop. 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 Coinnich to Ardlui, or down the complicated terrain of the Little Hills ridge to Stuckendroin, but both of these routes end along 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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