Ben Lawers

Ben Lawers, at 1,214 metres, is the highest mountain in the southern Highlands and one of the most accessible Munros in Scotland, thanks to a high-level car park that removes much of the climbing before you even start.

The route begins at the National Trust for Scotland car park, within the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, and follows a well-restored path through an area of regenerating woodland before climbing a broad grassy ridge. This leads first to the summit of Beinn Ghlas, a substantial Munro in its own right at 1,103 metres, often barely noticed by walkers focused on the higher peak ahead. From Beinn Ghlas, the path descends slightly to a bealach before a final climb up loose, eroded ground to the summit of Ben Lawers, marked by a trig point and large cairn.

The out-and-back route is around 11 kilometres with roughly 875 metres of ascent, and typically takes five to seven hours.

The mountain is known for its rich arctic-alpine flora, protected as a National Nature Reserve, and stronger walkers often extend the day into a longer traverse taking in some or all of the other Lawers range Munros — An Stùc, Meall Garbh, and Meall Greigh — though this requires transport arranged at each end.

Despite the easy start, this remains a high, exposed mountain — the summit plateau catches wind from every direction and weather can deteriorate quickly, so full waterproofs and navigation skills are still essential even on a mountain this popular.

The Ben Lawers car park is chargeable.