At 915m, Ben Vane is the shortest of Scotland’s 282 Munros, but don’t let the height fool you. This is a 7-mile, 915m ascent with sections of mild scrambling, a series of notorious false summits, and a final steep climb that’ll leave you in no doubt you’ve earned the view. Which is exactly why it’s one of my favourite hills in the Arrochar Alps.
Ben Vane sits between Loch Lomond and Loch Long, part of a tight cluster of four Munros west of the A82. Most people climb it as a standalone day, it’s perfectly doable, and combining it with Beinn Vorlich is genuinely tough going. Here’s what to expect, from someone who’s climbed it and the neighbouring hills more than once.
- Distance
- 7 miles 11.3 km, out & back
- Ascent
- 915 m 3,002 ft
- Time
- 5–6 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard Steep, false summits, short scrambles
- Start
- Inveruglas car park G83 7DP · A82, paid, long stay
- Dog friendly
- Yes On lead — cows on the track
- Classification
- Munro Scotland’s shortest Munro
- Best season
- May – Sept Winter skills needed Nov–Apr
How to climb Ben Vane
Ben Vane is on the west side of Loch Lomond. You will need to park at or catch the bus to the Inveruglas Car Park (long stay, paid) on the A82. The path to the hills is across the A82, cross with care.
Follow the sign to Loch Sloy, past the Loch Sloy Power Station. A wide stony track tacks you up towards the hills, often through a field of cows so keep dogs on a lead. At first, follow the signs to Arrochar (this will take you to the lovely Glen Loin Loop) before taking a stony path off to your right.
From this point, the climb gets very steep and takes you up a series of false summits and short scramby bits to the summit. From the top there are incredible views across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – and across to Ben Vorich and Ben Lomond.
How Hard Is It To Climb Ben Vane?
Whilst climbing Ben Vane is not technically hard, it is very steep, there are short sections of scrambling and the return trip is around 7 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 off the west coast of Scotland.
Read more – my beginners guide to hill walking in Scotland.
How Long Does It Take To Climb Ben Vane ?
With a reasonable level of fitness, the walk up this Munro will take around 5-6 hours from the car park, although I’d leave around 6 hours + for the full walk.
Best Time To Climb Ben Vane?
Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. Be prepared for a full day out and for the weather to change. For weather forecasts, I recommend you check out:
- MWIS (West Highlands forecast)
- The Met Office Mountain Weather (South West Highlands)
- Mountain Forecast
Don’t attempt climbing in winter unless you have winter gear.
Read this post on what can happen in the Arrochar Alps if you don’t prepare!
How To Get To Ben Vane Scotland
Ben Vane sits above Loch Lomond, 1 hour north of Glasgow and 2 hours from Edinburgh. There are daily bus services to Loch Lomond with City Link, the stop is the Sloy Power Station. There are a cafe and toilets on site.
Parking at Ben Vane
Parking is at the Inveruglas car park (paid)
Route Maps
- You will need OL39 Loch Lomond North*
- Walkhighlands have a Ben Vane route map
Frequently asked questions
How high is Ben Vane?
Ben Vane is 915m (3,002ft) — Scotland’s shortest Munro, sitting just barely above the 914m (3,000ft) threshold required to qualify. Despite its modest height it is one of the tougher Munros, with a very steep ascent, multiple false summits and sections of scrambling.
How long does it take to climb Ben Vane?
With a reasonable level of fitness, allow 5–6 hours for the full round trip from the car park. The full walk is around 7 miles. Ben Vane is 1 hour north of Glasgow and around 2 hours from Edinburgh.
How hard is Ben Vane to climb?
Ben Vane is not technically difficult but is very steep with short sections of scrambling on the way up, and a knee-testing descent over rough ground on the way back down. It punches well above its height in terms of effort — do not underestimate it. Proper hillwalking boots and gear are essential, and be prepared for the weather to change rapidly off the west coast.
When is the best time to climb Ben Vane?
May and September offer the best conditions. Do not attempt Ben Vane in winter without full winter hillwalking gear — ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them. Always check the MWIS West Highlands forecast, Met Office Mountain Weather (South West Highlands) or Mountain Forecast before heading out.
Where do you park for Ben Vane?
Park at the Inveruglas car park (paid) on the A82 on the west side of Loch Lomond. Cross the A82 carefully to reach the path. There are also daily CityLink bus services to Loch Lomond — the stop is at Sloy Power Station. Toilets and a café are on site at the car park.
Is Ben Vane the smallest Munro in Scotland?
Yes — Ben Vane at 915m is the smallest Munro in Scotland, sitting just 1 metre above the 914m threshold. It is part of the Arrochar Alps above Loch Lomond, alongside three other Munros including Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) and Beinn Narnain.
Love, From Scotland x
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