Ben More & Stob Binnein loop from the A85 — Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Embark on a challenging hike through the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park with the Ben More & Stob Binnein loop. This difficult 7.6-mile (12.2 km) route demands good fitness, featuring a significant 3961 feet (1207 metres) of elevation gain and typically taking around 6 hours and 3 minutes to complete. You will encounter varied terrain, from steep, boggy sections on lower slopes to rocky ground and scrambling as you ascend. From the summits, expect spectacular panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands, including Ben More's distinctive pyramid shape and Stob Binnein's shapelier outline, along with distant lochs and other peaks.

This trail is considered a hard hike, requiring sturdy shoes and some alpine experience due to its steep ascents and potentially vague paths. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as cold, wind, mist, and rain can increase the difficulty and boggy conditions. Winter hiking is only suitable for experienced hillwalkers with special equipment like crampons and an ice axe. The initial part of the ascent and the final return leg often follow farm tracks, but much of the route is remote and unspoilt.

What makes this loop particularly notable is the opportunity to bag two Munros, Ben More and Stob Binnein, in a single outing. Ben More is the highest Munro in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and its initial ascent from the A85 is famously steep, climbing approximately 1,000 vertical meters in just two miles. These are the highest hills around Crianlarich, with no taller summit anywhere south in the British Isles, offering a true sense of accomplishment upon completion. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare upland plant communities and diverse wildlife like red deer and golden eagles.