Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6-8h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    12.0 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,335 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk

    The Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk is a superb, 9.8 km lollipop route that is every bit exhilarating as it is challenging. Although this walk isn’t suitable for those looking for a leisurely stroll, those keen to ascend two spectacular summits to take in awe-inspiring views across the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park will find their match. The walk features demanding ascents and descents of the Ben More and Stob Binnein peaks, opening to spellbinding views of Ben Lui and Ben Lawers and surrounding Lochs.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk

    The Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk is a spectacular walk located in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, near the village of Crianlarich in the county of Stirling. Much of the walk requires steep ascents and descents and also features stretches on boggy terrain and a few pathless sections. Weather on the mountains can be cold and windy as you reach the summits, so adequate clothing is recommended. Although the Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk is accessible year-round, hiking in the winter when snow is present requires special equipment, such as crampons and an ice-axe, making walking at this time of year best suited for experienced hillwalkers.

    Ben More and Stob Binnein, often referred to as “twin peaks,” both embody the splendour and beauty of Scotland’s Southern Highlands. Ben More holds the title of the highest peak in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, making this hike particularly appealing for those seeking a challenging climb. The walk features spectacular views of nearby peaks, and dazzling lochs from both summits and a pretty river flows along some of the trail.

    Join the small path below the “Ben More’ signage off the A85, which leads over a small ditch where you’ll join the main trail just above the Ben More Farm. Turn left on the track and follow the winding trail that gradually takes you uphill 300 m to a gate. Pass through the gate and embark on a steep ascent of the path ahead, making sure to look back on the remarkable scenes that come into view as you make your way up the slope. Continue the path to the left of the Sloc Curraidh (a corrie high), keeping your eyes peeled for a drystone dyke that hugs the ridge round the corrie’s north side. Continue the path to the left of the dyke and prepare to take on the steepest section of the walk as you ascend the rocky shoulder of Cuidhe Chrom. With the corrie below, veer left on the path, which opens to incredible views of Loch Tay.

    Continue to climb towards the summit of Ben More, which is identifiable by a large cairn. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views from 1,174 m above, having reached the summit of the highest peak in the park. Spot Ben Lui towering to the west and Ben Lawers with its side-kick Loch Tay dazzling in the distance. For views of Stob Binnein, which you’ll climb next, walk to a trig point just beyond the cairn, where you’ll uncover a rocky outcrop. A clear path marks the descent from Ben More and sets you up nicely for your second ascent of Stob Binnein. Follow a rocky section, descending between the two peaks, either scrambling down a short wall section or veering left to remain on two feet. Descend the slopes that gradually become grassier as you look out for a large boulder that marks your arrival at the Bealach Eadar da-Bheinn pass at 862m.

    Begin your climb of Stob Binnein from the pass, pursuing a zig-zagging track up towards the summit. The ascent of Stob Binnein should be a walk in the park compared to Ben More, granting you more of a chance to revel in the natural beauty of the mountain. Reach the flat summit of Stob Binnein, taking in its elegant slopes from above and enjoying magnificent views of the Trossachs to your south, which rise majestically above Stob Binnein’s south ridge.

    Once you’ve had your fill of views from the summit, descend via the north ridge to return to the Bealach Eadar da-Bheinn pass. From the pass, choose to retrace the outward route leading over Ben More (which includes some further ascent), or opt to walk downhill, heading west. Don’t be alarmed by the boggy slopes as you begin the descent, as a stream-side path will soon appear. Descend the streams left side down towards the glen, then from the glen walk north further downstream. Continue along the path to return to the same gate where the walk began. Pass through it before walking via the same zig-zagging path of the first section, back to the beginning of the walk at the A85.

    Trail highlights

    Ben More

    Ben More, located near the village of Crianlarich, is a mountain in Scotland’s Southern Highlands and is the highest peak in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. At 1,174 m, Ben More offers superb views of surrounding peaks, such as Ben Lui, as well as beautiful sparkling lochs like Loch Tay. Often referred to as “the twin peaks,” Ben More and Stob Binnein are separated by the Bealach Eadar da-Bheinn pass.

    Stob Binnein

    Although Stob Binnein is the slightly smaller of the “twin peaks” and an easier ascent, it’s often described as the more elegant of the two, with more refined features than Ben More and a completely flat summit. Stob Binnein stands at 1,165 m, making it one of the highest peaks in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Spellbinding views of the Trossachs from the summit make this mountain well-worth the climb.

    Insider Hints for Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk

    • There is no public transport available to reach this walk, so make sure to drive.
    • If walking during the winter, prepare to bring an ice axe and crampons.
    • Weather can be unpredictable as you reach the summits, so prepare accordingly.
    • Stick to the path as the terrain can become dangerous if the route is lost.

    Getting to the Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk Trailhead

    To get to the start of the Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk from Clianlarich, take the A85 heading east towards Ben More Farm. You can park just east of the Ben More farm along the A85 or continue east half a mile to reach a sizable layby located near the west shores of Loch Lubhair. Look for the low-hanging wooden sign that displays ‘Ben More’ beside the A85 and an accompanying small path that marks the beginning of the walk.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      Year-Round Access

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Loch Tay Highland Lodges

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter