Ben Vorlich from Arrochar

Ben Vorlich is a bulky and very rugged mountain, the most northerly of the Arrochar Alps. It is possible to walk a fine circuit taking in the Little Hills from Ardlui to the north, but the ascent here, from Inveruglas via the Loch Sloy dam road, is the quickest.

Munros included on this walk: Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)
Date walked: 14/04/2016
Time taken: 4 hours
Distance: 13.5 km
Ascent: 945m

 Ben Vorlich is a bulky and very rugged mountain, the most northerly of the Arrochar Alps. It is possible to walk a fine circuit taking in the Little Hills from Ardlui to the north, but the ascent here, from Inveruglas via the Loch Sloy dam road, is the quickest.

I took a bus from Glasgow to Tarbet on Thursday afternoon, arriving in Tarbet about 2pm.

Upon arrival I immediately began my hike towards Sloy dam, picking up the woodland path at Tarbet station and following it to meet the Glen Loin loop above Arrochar.  My aim was to find somewhere suitable to wild camp, close to the dam, and near the start of the mountain path.  I just took my time, pondering along through the trees looking for the Glen Loin caves en-route (and not having much success).

I eventually reached Sloy dam around 6pm and found a great little spot to pitch up, in front of the dam (enough flat ground for a small 2 man tent).  I had seen a better spot earlier on the trail but wanted to be closer to the dam.

I had a peaceful night all alone by the dam, not much people around except for the Scottish Hydro workers who drove past a few times in the morning.

I was up for about 9am to make a start on the long daunting climb to the summit of Ben Vorlich.  Actually it wasn't too bad, a tad cold, there was some light snow at one point and there was a considerable amount of snow lying near the top.  I was presented with some bonnie views of Sloy damn as I made progress but due to mist I couldn't see much else. 

It took me about an hour and a half to reach the summit, where it was VERY cold, icy and very windy, couldn't stay long, only long enough to smile for a selfie. I met one other guy coming down as I was on my way up.

I was back down by about half past 1, not sure what took me so long but my hands were freezing and the first thing to do was make a nice hot drink and some noodles to get warmed up.  I was pretty much bored after that, I had contemplated climbing Ben Vane but I didn't have time as I had to head back over to Arrochar to meet Jay at Ben Arthurs bothy.