Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn)

Overview

Ben Vorlich is located just south of Loch Earn in Stirlingshire. There are only three Munros within the direct vacinity of Loch Earn. The popularity of this peak is seen to its worst by the level of erosion thats its trade route path has suffered over the years.

Ben Vorlich stands at 3232feet high and is listed as number 165 in the Munros table.

The translation Of Ben Vorlich(pronounced: Byn Vorlich) from Gaelic is Hill of the Bay. This name comes from its position next to Loch Earn. The main ridge runs from south-east to north-west with the actual summit being a flot topped ridge around a hundred metres long, with the trig point at its north-west end and a cairn at the other end(983m). As the the north-west end drops down from its level top, two further ridges branch off. The south-west ridge of the two drops down to the Bealach an Dubh Choirein. This bealach separates Ben Vorlich from Stuc a'Chroin.

Your best starting position for an ascent of Ben Vorlich is by way of the hill path at the rear of Ardvorlich house in Ardvorlich.

Approx time taken: 5 to 6 hours.

Getting There

From Glasgow - Take the M80 (eventually merges into the M9) to Stirling. Then take the A84 to Callandar.

From Edinburgh - Take the M9 to Stirling. Then take the A84 to Callander.

From Callander follow the A84 onwards for 13 miles until turning left (signposted South Loch Earn) and continue along the single track road for 4 mile until reaching Ardvorlich (minimal parking available). The trade route path starts directly behind Ardvorlich house.

Red Tape

There is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which incorporated the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code, which commenced on the 9th of February 2005, has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation.

The Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003
Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The following aspects should be taken into consideration when you are in the Scottish countryside;

• Seek local advice in regard to deer stalking or grouse shooting activities


• Ensure that all gates are closed behind you


• During the lambing season (March to May) ensure that all dogs are kept on a lead


• Please refrain from feeding or annoying any animals


• Limited parking space is available at the start of many routes, please ensure that you are not blocking a road and/or entrance


• Parking is provided at the start of some routes by the local farmers, it is polite to ask if you can use this facility


• Try to refrain from crossing fields with animals and/or crops if an alternative route is available


• Ensure that you treat the local environment with care by leaving it as you found it and by taking any litter home with you


• Any camp fires should be carefully watched and only used away from dense forest areas

Where to stay

Hotels

The Waverly Hotel
Abbotsford Lodge
Poppies Hotel

B&B's/Lodges

Arden House
The Old Rectory

Hostels/Campsites

Mains Farm Wigwams
Trossachs Tryst

Wild Camping
Wild camping is totally legal in Scotland and can be done in various locations close to Ben Vorlich. This is due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that was mentioned earlier.

Here are some of the basic rules that should be adopted when wild camping;

• The larger the group, the harder it is to keep impacts to a minimum. Keep groups small.


• Camp as unobtrusively as possible.


• Remember that noise travels from tents disturbing wildlife as well as humans.


• Enjoy the freedom of wild camping without leaving a trace of your passage. Protect our country's outstanding scenery and wildlife as well as the wilderness experience.


• Camping on the same spot harms vegetation. Aim to move frequently and do not stay for any longer than 3 nights in the same place.


• Lighting fires poses a high fire risk on peaty soils and close to tinder dry grass. A high risk of fire can exist at any time of year, and not just in times of drought.


• Watercourses and loch sides are important sites for birds and animals. Take extra care when camping near burns and lochs, and try to avoid camping immediately beside them.


• Always find a spot at least 30 metres from fresh/running water when going to the toilet.


• Bury excrement in a small hole (not under boulders). A trowel or ice axe can be used to lift a flap of turf.


• Remove all litter (even other peoples!) Think ahead and only carry in what you are prepared to carry out.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland provides an invaluable leaflet providing a full breakdown of the dos and don'ts of wild camping in Scotland. Wild Camping, A guide to good practice.

Books and Maps

Books
The Southern Highlands by Donald Bennet

The Munros (SMC Hillwalkers guide) edited by Donald Bennet & Rab Anderson

Ski Mountaineering in Scotland by Donald Bennet & Bill Wallace

Scottish Hill and Mountain Names by Peter Drummond

The Munros by Cameron McNeish



Maps
OS sheet 51 Loch Tay & Glen Dochart

OS sheet 57 Stirling & The Trossachs

OS Explorer 368 Crieff, Comrie & Glen Artney

Mountain conditions

Ben Vorlich is accessible all year round however, as you can get four seasons in one day in Scotland, care should be taken at all times.

Southeastern Highlands Mountain Forecast

Mountain weather forecast

Avalanche forecast

External Links

Visit Scotland

Discover Scotland

Undiscovered Scotland

Walk the Highlands

The Scottish Mountaineering Club

Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland

Images

View Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn) Image Gallery - 20 Images