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 984ft 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 3852ft 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 3852ft, 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 3822ft, 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.