Ben Lomond is one of the most popular Scottish mountains, located in the southern part of the country's highlands. It rises to a height of 974 meters (3,196 ft) above sea level and is classified as a "Munro" - a type of Scottish mountain with a height over 3,000 feet.
The name Ben Lomond comes from the Gaelic term ‘Beinn Laomainn’ which translates as ‘Beacon Mountain’. The mountain overlooks the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, from where its striking profile is one of the iconic images of the National Park.
Ben Lomond is well-known for the incredible views it offers at its summit, providing a stunning panorama across the waters of Loch Lomond to the west, while to the east it provides views across the richly forested landscape of the Trossachs to the distant mountains of Perthshire and Stirlingshire.
The mountain is a popular destination for hiking and hill-walking enthusiasts due to its accessibility and the quality of the paths and routes up to the summit. Its proximity to Glasgow also makes it a favorite with locals as well as tourists. The most common ascent route is via the 'tourist path', a wide and well-maintained path that ascends through woodland before open moorland to the summit.
Kayaking, boating, fishing, and camping are among other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the surrounding area. There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen, including red deer, black grouse, ptarmigans, and sometimes even golden eagles.
It should be mentioned that despite its beauty and easy accessibility, climbing Ben Lomond can be a challenging endeavor, particularly in bad weather conditions. Therefore, visitors are advised to be well-prepared and always check the weather forecast before setting out.