Descending via Ptarmigan Distance : 11km, ascent : 1025m
An alternative descent via an obvious and slightly longer route
If you fancy a bit of quietness or a bike-hike, then this is the route for you !
Arkle from Lochstack Lodge Distance : 12km, ascent : 975m
On the 'tourist route' for the most part, the Ben Lomond hill race takes some detours to minimise errosion.
Descending via Ptarmigan
Distance : 11km, ascent : 1025m
Ascend Ben Lomond as described in the main route. From the summit trig-point, follow a path aiming north-west. The path descends steeply, initially twisting to avoid some rocky sections. As the ground levels, the path turns south-west and continues over some boggy patches and undulating ground. A small lochan is reached, beyond which the path climbs briefly to gain The Ptarmigan. The obvious path is then followed down to the road on Loch Lomond side and the Youth Hostel. The road is then followed back to the car-park.
Approach from Loch Chon to the east
Distance : 21km, ascent : 1275m
If you fancy a bit of quietness or a bike-hike, then this is the route for you !
Heading west from Aberfoyle, past Loch Ard, a sign and some bins by Loch Dhu (just south of Loch Chon), denote the start of a track heading west. Head up this track past the houses to its highest point and free-wheel down into Gleann Dubh. 4km further on, a bridge over the Abhainn Gaoithe is reached, then the bidge over Caorainn Achaidh Burn shortly thereafer. Once over this bridge, leave the track, through a gate and head south-west uphill on pathless grassy ground up Ben Lomond's north-east arm. The route meets up with the main slog up from Rowardenan and continues to the summit trig point.
Descend north-west as in the route above, then after a few minutes leave the path and continue north-east. Following the crest of Ben Lomond's northern arm, drop back into Gleann Dubh and pick up the the track to return to Loch Dhu.
Ben Lomond Hill Race
Distance : 12km, ascent : 975m
Following the 'tourist route' for the most part, the Ben Lomond hill race takes some detours to minimise errosion.
The race begins by the Rowardennan Hotel's entrance and follows the road to the path behind the visitor centre. It then follows the course of the 'tourist route' up to the second gate, then on grassy ground, keeps west of the path. It re-joins the main path on Sron Aonaich and continues up to the base of the zig-zags, where it leaves and heads north-west over more grass and boulders. The last 200m to the summit is back on the track. Around the trig-point and back down the main path to the second gate for a detour on grass for 200m, then back on the path for the return to the visitor centre and a sprint back to the hotel.
The race is pre-entry and limited to 175. More details on
Scottish Hill Runners,
Scottish Hill Racing, entry on
Raceentries.com and it's featured in detail in my book
Classic Hill Runs and Races in Scotland
