Through the Arrochar Alps
A strenuous walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Loch Lomond and the Trossachs starting and finishing in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, about 20.30km (12.61 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 12:45h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
2337m (7667ft)
Descent
2317m (7601ft)
Max. Elevation
980m (3215ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
4654m (15268ft)
Start
Ardlui
End
Tarbet
Distance
20.30km
(12.61mi)
(12.61mi)
Duration
~12:45h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Anonymous Walker on 12 Dec 2014
This is a two-day walk through the stunning scenery to the north of Loch Lomond. Starting at the tiny Ardlui station, you take in Ben Vorlich, Beinn Ime, Beinn Vane and Beinn Narnain on the way through to Arrochar & Tarbet. The high ground is perfect for a wild camp, and there are campsites in Arrochar as well if you need them.
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Nearby Walks
Ben Vorlich
A moderate, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, about 9.30km (5.78 mi) long, duration: ~5:15h.Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) and Beinn Narnain
A moderate, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, about 10.60km (6.59 mi) long, duration: ~6:15h.Arrochar's Munros - Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime and Ben Vane
A strenuous, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, about 18.40km (11.43 mi) long, duration: ~10:00h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NN315154
Take the train to Ardlui at the northern end of Loch Lomond.
OS Grid NN305158
Head uphill via the slope between the patches of woodland. No clear path, so pick your own route.
About 1.09 km (~0.68 miles) from 
OS Grid NN302145
Once above the tree line, follow the ridge line up to Stob-nan Coinnich Bhacain.
About 1.33 km (~0.83 miles) from 
OS Grid NN295137
Stick to the high ground and continue towards the summit of Ben Vorlich via Coire Creagach.
About 1.06 km (~0.66 miles) from 
OS Grid NN295124
The first Munro of the trip. Good views over secretive Loch Sloy from here.
About 1.29 km (~0.8 miles) from 
OS Grid NN299114
Drop down from the summit along the ridge line a short distance before cutting sharply down the hillside towards the dam.
About 1.02 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid NN288110
Cross beneath the dam on Loch Sloy and then straight up the opposite side.
About 1.19 km (~0.74 miles) from 
OS Grid NN272105
The flattish ground north of Ben Vane is a good spot for wild camping. Look for the small lochan for a dry spot.
About 1.64 km (~1.02 miles) from 
OS Grid NN271102
A brisk start to day 2. Head around the western side of the lochan to find the route up Ben Vane.
About 0.37 km (~0.23 miles) from 
OS Grid NN277098
The next Munro is Ben Vane, which just squeaks in at 916m.
About 0.70 km (~0.43 miles) from 
OS Grid NN266093
There's an unavoidable drop across to Beinn Ime. head on a southwest bearing across the corrie and then ascend the northeast flank of Beinn Ime.
About 1.19 km (~0.74 miles) from 
OS Grid NN255084
Continue to Beinn Ime, the highest point of the excursion.
About 1.42 km (~0.88 miles) from 
OS Grid NN258077
Finally a path! You are leaving the wilds of the Arrochar Alps here and entering the well-trodden ground around Ben Arthur. Follow the track into the gully between Beinn Narnain and Ben Arthur.
About 0.82 km (~0.51 miles) from 
OS Grid NN262068
At Bealach a Mhaim, take the first shoulder leading up Beinn Narnain, keeping to a line between the rocks.
About 0.92 km (~0.57 miles) from 
OS Grid NN271066
The final top of the trip. All downhill from here.
About 0.99 km (~0.62 miles) from 
OS Grid NN281059
Descend via the southeast ridge of Beinn Narnain.
About 1.14 km (~0.71 miles) from 
OS Grid NN287056
Look for the small building above the forest line to locate the path through the trees.
About 0.73 km (~0.45 miles) from 
OS Grid NN297049
Head into the small town of Arrochar, on Loch Long. There are camping options here if you miss the last train and it's a nice spot to pass an evening. The Village Inn, overlooking the loch, is a good place for an evening pint: www.villageinnarrochar.co.uk
About 1.19 km (~0.74 miles) from 
Tarbet stationOS Grid NN311045
Tarbet station is about 1.25km from Arrochar - factor this in when you need to catch a train!
About 1.47 km (~0.91 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Timwoods
This could be a long one-day walk in summer, but it would be a shame to miss out on the wild camp! Wonderful part of Scotland.