Ben Lomond via Loch Dhu
Posted on 13/05/22 in munro-bagging
This is my walk report for Ben Lomond via Loch Dhu that I hiked in May 2021. Great route if you want to avoid the crowds and want some peacefulness and tranquillity. I’ve climbed Ben Lomond 5 times from 3 different approaches. In my opinion, via Loch Dhu is the finest way to climb the mountain, due to the dramatic northern corries. There’s a 7km walk-in from Loch Dhu, that takes over an hour, but it’s worth it as the views are stunning while walking towards Ben Lomond. Was so looking forward to seeing the other side of Ben Lomond!! Gleann Dubh isn’t as spectacular as the Loch Lomond side but still an enjoyable walk.
When reaching the mountain base, I followed my GPX route which ascended the easiest ridge. The graham Cruinn a’Bheinn can be added onto the walk and then approach Ben Lomond from the North. It’s a long hike so just omitted this part. After a steep climb, I reached the main ridge and then immediately seen amazing views of Loch Lomond (2nd image)!!! So thought, this is the best of both worlds. Great views of the corries and also of Loch Lomond and Arrochar Alps. That said, there was only a 30 min window of meeting other hikers out of the 10-hour hike. I felt the sense of solitude after leaving the summit, as I only passed one person on the ascent so was unlikely to see anyone else.
To make the adventure more epic on the return journey, I descended towards the Loch Ard Forest which is part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. To give you an idea of the sheer scale, this park is bigger than Glasgow!!! When reaching the forest, took 40 mins to find the entrance, passing numerous streams and walking through boggyland. Just was so relieved to find the path that leads into the forest!! Followed a burn through the densely packed forest and it was such an adventure!!!
