Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas
The highest mountain in the southern Highlands, famous for its arctic-alpine flowers.
- Distance
- 11.9 km
- Ascent
- 940 m
- Time
- 4.5–6 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 1214 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas is a moderate 11.9 km circular walk with 940 m of ascent, taking 4.5 to 6 hours. It starts at Ben Lawers car park, Lochan na Lairige road (grid reference NN 607 379). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Ben Lawers at 1,214 m.
Ben Lawers is the tenth-highest mountain in Britain and a National Nature Reserve, cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Its lime-rich rocks support rare arctic-alpine plants, some found nowhere else in Britain.
The well-made path climbs from the car park through the reserve onto Beinn Ghlas, then follows the ridge to Ben Lawers. The return takes the path that skirts round the north side of Beinn Ghlas.
Route
-
1
Through the reserve
Follow the nature trail north from the car park, then climb the path onto Beinn Ghlas.
-
2
Ben Lawers
Follow the ridge north-east, with a short drop, to the summit of Ben Lawers.
-
3
Return
Retrace the ridge, then take the path that contours round the north side of Beinn Ghlas back to the car park.
Summits
1103 m
1214 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas take?
- Most walkers take 4.5–6 hours for the 11.9 km route, which has 940 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Ben Lawers car park, Lochan na Lairige road (grid reference NN 607 379). National Trust for Scotland car park (charge for non-members).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Well-made path to start, then a worn ridge path; stony near the summits.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Ben Lawers (1214 m, Munro); Beinn Ghlas (1103 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: National Nature Reserve: please stay on the paths to protect the rare plants. Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).
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