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Ben Lawers

Length: Nature trail 1 mile/Summit 7 miles (there & back) Height climbed: 2580ft./787m Grade: Nature trail C - Summit walk A Parking: At foot of walk (parking fee) Toilet facilities: At the car park (This route should NOT be attempted without correct footwear and some previous knowledge of hill-walking. It is however, a truely rewarding climb for those who attempt it. The ecological importance of Ben Lawers persuaded the National Trust for Scotland to purchase it. They now operate an information centre at the foot of the walks. Since this area is of unique botanical importance, you are asked to stay on the paths indicated, as closely as possible. This will prevent adding to the erosion which is already visible in places). To reach the centre, take the A827 road along the north side of Loch Tay between Kenmore and Killin, turning up the small road to Bridge of Balgie (about 4 miles from Killin and 10 miles from Kenmore). The centre is 2 miles along this road on your right. The nature trail is a short tour of the area around the centre. The path is relatively easy under foot, but even on this short trail you must expect to get wet in places. The path to the summit is a much tougher proposition than its length might suggest, rising around 2700ft in 3.5 miles! The path crosses some level moor before rising steeply to the summit of Beinn Ghlas, dipping once more before crossing a thin ridge between two steep corries. It then rises steeply again to the summit of Ben Lawers itself. The walk will take you considerably longer than than you anticipate. You should return by the same route. Watch out for the distinctive flowers of the region (please do NOT pick them). Watch out too for the buzzards, kestrals, red grouse and golden plovers which inhabit these higher levels. Once at the summit, be prepared for one of the finest views in Scotland; including every major hill in Perthshire and reaching - on a clear day - from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean!

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