From the roadside (and from every other hill around) Ben More is a mighty cone rising above the A85 as it speeds its way north to Crianlarich and Glencoe.
The biggest hill in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Ben More is one of Scotland’s toughest hills – and comes with a health warning, the route up its front face is relentlessly steep.
However, climbing this munro comes with a huge pay off – some of the best views in the southern Highlands. Here is how to climb Ben More (Crianlarich).
How to climb Ben More (Crianlarich) and Stob Binnein
The walk up Ben More and its neighbour Stob Binnein starts to the east of Benmore Farm on the A85 as it passes through Glen Dochart. Parking is by the roadside. The path is signed and at first zig zags up the hill until the path reaches a gate. Beyond the gate the route heads straight up the hill – just keep going!
The path eventually reaches the corrie of Sloc Curraidh, which can be dangerous in winter and is an avalanche hot spot. Beyond the corrie the path follows an old stone wall before reaching a large summit cairn; the trig point is just beyond at 1174m.
To reach the shapely curve of neighbouring Stob Binnein descend off the back of the hill, down a rocky outcrop, with a short scramble which can be avoided. There is a 300m drop between the two hills to the bealach Eadar da-Bheinn. before the path rises back to the summit of Stob Binnein. The views across the Trossachs from the summit are extensive.
To descend off the munro, head back down to the bealach between the two hills before picking a path down the hillside into the glen below. The descent can be boggy and is steep, so take care. On reaching the burn follow the boggy path north to the A85 and the start of the route.
Alternative route: To avoid the steep face of Ben More, the route can be reversed, climbing first up the bealach between the two hills, before climbing Stob Binnein, heading down the front face of the mountain.
Whichever route you take, Ben More is not to be underestimated.
Ben More (Crianlarich) route maps
- OS – You will need OL46 The Trossachs
- Walkhighlands – Ben More (Crianlarich)
How long does it take to climb Ben More (Crianlarich) ?
With a reasonable level of fitness, the walk up this Munro will take around 6 hours from the roadside, although I’d leave around 8 hours + for the full walk.
Best time to climb Ben More (Crianlarich) ?
Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. Don’t attempt climbing Ben More (Crianlarich) in winter unless you have winter gear and experience. For weather forecasts, I recommend you check out:
How hard is it to climb Ben More (Crianlarich) ?
Ben More is very steep and the return trip is around 8 miles – so don’t climb up expecting a wee trip up Arthur’s Seat. You will need hill walking gear and be prepared for the weather to change in a heartbeat – mist, fog and rain can sweep in quickly.
If you haven’t hill walked before, have a look at my beginners guide to hillwalking in Scotland. My beginners guide to hill walking in Scotland.
How to get to Ben More (Crianlarich) .
Ben More sits above Crianlarich, 1 hour north of Glasgow and 2 hours from Edinburgh. There are daily bus services to Crianlarich with City Link. Parking is on the A82 by Ben More Farm.
Love, from Scotland x
More iconic mountains in Scotland to climb.
The travel blogger and photographer behind Love from Scotland