Ben Vane

Ben Vane, at 915-916 metres, is the smallest of all 282 Munros, sitting just barely above the qualifying threshold — but this compact peak in the Arrochar Alps packs a genuine punch, with very steep and rocky slopes on all sides and a reputation for numerous false summits that test morale on the final approach.

The route starts from the Inveruglas car park on the A82, on the west side of Loch Lomond. Crossing the road and passing the front of the Inveruglas power station — giant pipes descending from the hills above drive the turbines inside — an off-road path leads to a gated tarmac road passing beneath the railway. The route climbs past a large electric substation before continuing along the tarmac road towards Loch Sloy Dam, built in 1945 by over 2,000 workers including German prisoners of war, and today the largest hydroelectric power plant in the UK. At a signed junction, a pebbled track crosses a bridge before a path branches off, climbing steep, boggy ground initially before becoming a distinct, well-defined trail. The ascent is relentlessly steep with numerous false summits — a well-documented characteristic that catches out many first-time visitors — with some easy, unexposed scrambling near the top before the surprisingly flat, wide summit plateau is reached, its highest cairn at the eastern end.

The view is given great depth by the mountain's shape: towards Loch Lomond it's stunning, though higher peaks all around, including Beinn Ìme, Beinn Narnain, and Ben Vorlich, restrict the panorama in other directions.

Though it's possible to continue by descending the steep west ridge to the Glas Bhealach and on to Beinn Ìme, this connecting terrain is unremittingly tough, rough going — for most walkers, Ben Vane is best tackled alone, returning the same way, though it combines well with neighbouring Ben Vorlich for the more ambitious.

The out-and-back route from Inveruglas is around 11-14 kilometres with roughly 930-1,000 metres of ascent, typically four and a half to six and a half hours — a genuinely tough day for the modest height involved.

The summit plateau is wide and flat, demanding care in poor visibility to maintain the correct bearing for descent, and the steep, rocky ascent with its false summits and mild scrambling should not be underestimated despite the mountain's diminutive stature — full hillwalking fitness and appropriate footwear are essential.

Parking at Inveruglas is chargeable, with toilets and a café on site; Citylink buses stop at Sloy Power Station on the A82.