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Ben Lawers Walk

6.21 miles (10 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Ben Lawers is one of the most popular climbs in Scotland due to the beauty of the surrounding area. It is also designated as a National Nature Reserve and run by the National Trust for Scotland.
The walk starts at the Ben Lawers car park and follows a nature trail through woodland with wild flowers and views of the Edramucky Burn. The path continues towards Beinn Ghlas with wonderful views of Loch Tay and other munros such as Meall Corranaic and Meall nan Tarmachan. The path then reaches the 1,214 m (3,983 ft) Ben Lawers summit with magnificent views of Ben Lomond and Glencoe to the west, and the Cairngorms to the north.
It is a steep climb to the summit but on a good path for most of the way. The reserve is populated with many interesting arctic-alpine flora including purple saxifrage, moss campion, yellow saxifrage, globeflower and rose root. Also look out for a variety of wildlife including whinchat, stonechat, willow warblers, ring ouzels, red grouse, ptarmigan and red deer.
The Rob Roy Way runs past the nearby Loch Tay and Killin. This is a good option if you would like to continue your walking in the area.

Postcode

FK21 8TY - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Ben Lawers OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ben Lawers Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

If you head south to Loch Tay you could enjoy some well earned refreshments at The Boathouse. The pub sits in a fine location right next to the loch overlooking a marina. You could sit outside on the veranda and enjoy a wonderful view over the lake to the surrounding mountains. They serve a delicious fish and chips and can found on the northern side of the loch at postcode FK21 8TY.

Dog Walking

The reserve is a lovely place for a dog walk. Please keep them under control as there are livestock present in the area. The Boathouse mentioned above is also dog friendly with a special nutritious dog-friendly menu developed by BBC Radio Scotland Resident Vet and Pets ‘n’ Vets partner Ross Allan.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To the south east there's a much easier walk at the delightful Falls Of Acharn. The scenic spot includes a Victorian 'Hermit's Cave' and some great views back to Ben Lawers from Acharn village.
To the north you can explore the beautiful and peaceful Glen Lyon. The route takes you along the River Lyon to Loch Lyon with a visit to the lovely post office cafe in Bridge of Balgie at the start.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Ben Lawers - summit cairn - geograph.org.uk - 475995

Summit cairn Twin triangulation pillars on the summit of Ben Lawers. Loch Tay can be seen in the glen.

Ben Lawers from Beinn Ghlas - geograph.org.uk - 1635440

Ben Lawers from Beinn Ghlas

Path up Beinn Ghlas - Ben Lawers - geograph.org.uk - 1416899

Path up Beinn Ghlas. Looking down the path to Ben Lawers via Beinn Ghlas to the point where the path to Ben Lawers which bypasses Beinn Ghlas leaves this path. The paths diverge at a large boulder which is just discernable slightly right of centre in the photograph.

Burn of Edramucky - geograph.org.uk - 1416354

Burn of Edramucky

The nature reserve - geograph.org.uk - 1635422

The nature reserve. The fenced-off area is kept safe from grazing and the vegetation is markedly different.

Ben Lawers Visitor Centre - geograph.org.uk - 936129

Ben Lawers Visitor Centre

Converging paths on the Ben Lawers Nature Trail - geograph.org.uk - 936493

Converging paths on the Ben Lawers Nature Trail

Track leading to Ben Lawers Dam - geograph.org.uk - 429193

Track leading to Ben Lawers Dam. The dam in the background forms the southern end of Lochan na Lairige. This can be found just west of the mountain and is a popular addition to the walk.

Elevation Profile

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Ben Lawers.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Ben Lawers.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)