Ben Chonzie

Ben Chonzie, at 931 metres and also known locally as Ben-y-Hone, is the highest summit in a large area of heather moorland north of Comrie in Perthshire, and one of the most popular introductory Munros for beginners thanks to its clear tracks and steady gradient.

The route starts from a parking area opposite the old school at Coishavachan, at the end of the minor road up Glen Lednock. A track climbs gently past cottages, over a bridge, and through a gate before continuing as a wide, easy-angled path across open moorland — steepening somewhat as height is gained but never technically difficult. At around 700 metres the main track is left behind for a rougher, sometimes boggy path that fords a small burn and climbs more steeply to meet an old fenceline, which — along with a series of cairns — leads across the broad summit plateau to the cairn and stone shelter marking the top, with fine views over the Lawers range and south towards Fife.

An alternative and more scenic route approaches from Glen Turret near Crieff, following the loch shore and climbing a corrie directly onto the summit plateau, with the option of a circular return over Meall na Seide and Càrn Chois for a more varied day.

The standard out-and-back route from Glen Lednock is around 12-13 kilometres with roughly 715-770 metres of ascent, typically four to five hours.

The summit plateau is notably broad and featureless, making navigation genuinely difficult in mist despite the well-marked path lower down — careful attention to the fenceline and cairns is essential for the return, and full hillwalking equipment should still be carried on what is otherwise one of the more approachable Munros. Ben Chonzie also holds a large population of mountain hares, whose coats turn white in winter.

Parking at Coishavachan is free but limited to around ten to twenty cars and fills quickly; there is no public transport directly to the start, though buses serve nearby Comrie.