Description

Ben Lui (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Laoigh) is a Scottish Munro situated on the north-western edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The mountain itself is depicted as being one of the grandest, and most elegant peaks in the Southern Highlands.

It’s less grand neighbour, Beinn a’Chlèibh (916m) is connected to the peak by a simple ridge and itself is an easy Munro to tick off while up in the hills.

At the time of publishing this guide, a mandatory river crossing is required to complete this hike. Locate the car park just off the A85 to park in.

Leave the car park in a southeast direction before turning right on a good trail that is aiming for the river Lochy.

You guessed it, the river crossing.

The river itself is fairly wide but easily crossable in dry conditions.

If it looks like that scene out of Lord of the Rings where the elf magically forces a raging torrent down the river to wipe out the Nazgul chasing Frodo, I’d suggest finding another mountain nearby without a river crossing and coming back another day.

Be sensible, you’re not an elf.

After the river is a railway line.

Do not cross the tracks directly.

As we’ve discovered you do not have elf magic, nor do you have superman powers to stop a train.

Plus, it’s illegal.

Use the bridge nearby to cross under but you will need to stoop as it is low.

The trail starts to ascend through a felled area following the Eas Dàimh that runs into the Lochy down below.

Stay right on the trails following the GPX file into the Glen.

Just out of the forest, the path splits in two.

Take the left path to climb a soggy, pathless, and ongoing ascent leading to the north ridge of Ben Lui.

The terrain starts to get rocky in places to so be on your guard.

Once at the ridge follow it all the way to the summit.

Select a rock of any size to place on the cairn and please the mountain Gods. After a selfie and sandwich at the top, descend the ridge aiming for Beinn a’Chlèibh which looks a lot less impressive compared to the mountain your currently on.

Summit Ben Lui’s neighbour, take in the view and then retrace your steps back down the saddle to descend on a very steep path to take you back into the Glen.

The same rules apply with the railway line and river.

This hike and guide were completed during summer weather conditions.

This is just one opinion of this route.

Make sure to do your own research by consulting local internet resources, mountain guides or guidebooks to evaluate other opinions so you can be best prepared for the terrain. A Guide by Red