Rowardennan and Ben Lomond

Autumn at Rowardennan

Visitor Guide to Rowardennan and Ben Lomond

Rowardennan, set along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, is home to Ben Lomond, one of Scotland’s most popular Munros and on the West Highland Way. While we cover Ben Lomond in this guide, you may wish to click here to read a more detailed guide to climbing it.

In this updated guide, we’ll let you know about the facilities and things to do around Rowardennan, but let’s start with how to get there.

How to Get to Rowardennan

There are several ways to reach Rowardennan, depending on your mode of travel and sense of adventure:

By Car: From Drymen, drive 11 miles along a narrow, winding dead-end road that offers stunning views of the loch (take it easy on the road). Use Sat Nav set to “Rowardennan” rather than “Ben Lomond” to avoid confusion as bizarrely, I’ve met people by Loch Chon in the Trossachs whose SatNav has taken them there, close as the crow files, but miles to drive! The what3words address for the Ben Lomond/Rowardennan car park is ///archives.liberated.soaps

Parking: A pay-and-display car park, operated by Forestry and Land Scotland, is available. Arrive early, as spaces fill quickly. An overflow car park also accommodates additional vehicles during busy periods. There are free toilets in the main car park. If you decide to park at the Rowardennan Hotel, make sure you pay as there are cameras, and if you don’t have payment to cover the entirety of your parking, you will receive a fine through the post.

By Water Bus: In summer, water buses operated by Cruise Loch Lomond provide a scenic and convenient way to reach Rowardennan. The Luss Waterbus departs at 9:35 am (30-minute crossing), and the Tarbet Waterbus departs at 4:45 pm (45-minute crossing), operating on weekends from May to September. Check Cruise Loch Lomond for confirmed sailings and book tickets. Note: All sailings are to and from the grounds of Rowardennan Youth Hostel. Watch the video below the map for more details.

Note there are no buses to Rowardennan, as the end of the line is 8 miles away at Balmaha.

By Foot via the West Highland Way Path: Many visitors to Rowardennan are walking the famous West Highland Way. Starting at Milngavie, the long-distance route passes through Balmaha before reaching Rowardennan. The scenic walk from Balmaha to Rowardennan offers stunning lochside views. From Rowardennan, the trail continues north toward Inversnaid, passing through woodlands and along the loch’s edge—more information about the West Highland Way path later in this guide.

 

Cruise Loch Lomond Water Bus arriving at Rowardennan

Ben Lomond and Rowardennan Youth Hostel

Ben Lomond: Scotland’s Southernmost Munro

Many visitors to Rowardennan are drawn by the opportunity to climb Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro. Rising to 974 metres (3,196 feet), it offers incredible panoramic views of Loch Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, Loch Katrine and the surrounding National Park. The National Trust for Scotland manages the mountain and works to preserve its trails and natural environment.

Routes to the Summit

Tourist Path:

The most popular and straightforward route, the Tourist Path, covers 7 miles (11 km) round trip and takes 4-5 hours. It’s well-marked and suitable for most walkers. As you climb, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of Loch Lomond and its islands.

Ptarmigan Ridge Route:

For a more adventurous experience, the Ptarmigan Ridge route offers a quieter and more rugged ascent. Covering 8 miles (13 km) round trip, it takes 6-7 hours and provides dramatic views from the ridge before connecting to the Tourist Path near the summit.

Both routes start from the Rowardennan car park, with clear signs marking the trails. Be sure to bring proper gear, including sturdy boots, waterproof clothing, and enough food and water.

Practical Tips for Climbing Ben Lomond

Best Time to Climb: Late spring to early autumn for the best weather.

Winter Hiking: Only for experienced hikers with appropriate equipment.

Essentials: Bring layers, a map, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Could you check the weather forecast beforehand, as conditions can change quickly?

Conservation: Follow “Leave No Trace” principles to help preserve the mountain’s beauty.

We have a much more detailed guide to climbing Ben Lomond, click the link below to read it.

View from Ben Lomond path

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Ardess Hidden History Trail

Ardess Hidden History Trail

The Ardess Hidden History Trail is a captivating 1.5 km (approximately 1 mile) circular walk located on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond, managed by the National Trust for Scotland. This trail offers visitors an opportunity to delve into the area's rich human history, uncovering remnants of past communities and their interactions with the landscape. Starting near the Ardess Lodge Ranger Centre, the trail is well-marked and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, typically taking around 40 minutes to complete. As you meander through ancient oak woodlands and open grasslands, you’ll encounter archaeological features that tell the story of human habitation over the past several centuries. These include:

Cruck-Framed Building Replica: At the beginning of the trail, you’ll find a reconstructed cruck-framed building. This replica showcases the traditional architectural style used in the area up to the early 1800s, providing insight into the living conditions of past inhabitants.

Ridge and Furrow Fields: As you progress, observe the ridged ground patterns and remnants of the “ridge and furrow” farming method. This ancient technique involved creating raised ridges for crop cultivation, with furrows serving as drainage channels. Each family was allotted specific ridges, ensuring equitable access to arable land.

Sheilings (Summer Dwellings): The trail passes by the remains of sheilings—seasonal huts used by families during the summer months for grazing livestock and producing dairy products like cheese and butter. These structures highlight the transhumance lifestyle once prevalent in the Scottish Highlands.

Turf House Ruins: Near the end of the trail, you’ll encounter the remains of a turf house. Constructed solely from turf without the use of stones, little is known about the specific use of these enigmatic structures, adding an element of mystery to the trail.

The trail covers diverse landscapes, including oak woodlands historically managed for charcoal production and bark harvesting for leather tanning.

Rowardennan Wedding

Weddings at Rowardennan

Rowardennan’s stunning scenery makes it a magical location for weddings. I have photographed several weddings at Rowardennan. This couple from England got engaged whilst walking the West Highland Way and decided to get married somewhere in Loch Lomond on the route. I had great fun photographing their wedding at the Youth Hostel. (See my wedding photography website for more.)

If you’re considering a wedding in the area, keep Blairvockie in mind, as they offer small and intimate weddings on their grounds.

West Highland Way walker by Rowardennan

The West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking route, stretching 96 miles from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. Rowardennan is a key stop on the path, providing a peaceful rest point for walkers before continuing toward Inversnaid.

• The walk from Balmaha to Rowardennan takes you along scenic lochside paths and through wooded trails.

• From Rowardennan to Inversnaid, the route continues through lush forests and past rocky outcrops, offering beautiful views of Loch Lomond.

If you’re walking the West Highland Way, consider stopping by Ben’s Bake Honesty Shop, a charming self-service stop on the trail. Offering delicious homemade cakes, snacks, and refreshments, it’s a perfect spot to refuel before heading on your way.

Ben’s Bakes Honesty Box, Rowardennan

Ben Lomond Memorial Park

Ben Lomond and its surroundings hold a special place in Scotland’s history. In 1995, the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park was established to honour Scottish servicemen and women who lost their lives in the World Wars. You’ll find a granite sculpture by Doug Cocker commemorating their sacrifice near the car park.

Today, conservation efforts led by the National Trust for Scotland ensure that Ben Lomond’s trails and wildlife are protected for future generations. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment by sticking to designated paths and removing rubbish.

Rowardennan Memorial

Where to Stay

If you’re planning an extended stay, Blairvockie, located near the base of Ben Lomond, offers a fantastic accommodation option. Featuring Christmas Cottage and The Bothy, Blairvockie provides cosy, self-catering spaces ideal for relaxing after a day of adventure. Blairvockie is a small wedding setting for couples seeking marriage in the heart of Loch Lomond’s dramatic landscapes.

There is also accommodation at the Rowardennan Youth Hostel, Rowardennan Hotel, Ben Lomond Bunk House, and various lodges near the hotel.

Give Us A Break

The distinctive building home to the Rowardennan Youth Hostel can be seen from the water whilst approaching on a cruise or water bus service. I produced a video for the Youth Hostel a few years ago about the inspiring ‘Give Us a Break’ campaign. Watch the video below to learn more and see footage of Rowardennan and Loch Lomond.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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