Ben Vorlich, by Loch Earn

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
14.5 kms	05:00 (hrs:mins)	878 metres	Explorer 368: Crieff, Comrie and Glen Artney

Description

Perthshire Ben Vorlich, on the shores of Loch Earn (not be confused with the Ben Vorlich near Loch Lomond) sits close to the dividing line between the Central Highlands and the Lowlands. It is a steep sided, shapely hill of 3232ft/985m offering great views to the north and west. The mountain name derives from the Gaelic 'Mur-Bhalg' which means `sea-bay` and describes the small bays in the loch beneath.

From the village of St Fillans drive along the minor road on the south side of Loch Earn to reach the small roadside parking area near Ardvorlich House (GR 629230, approximately 8km from St Fillans). A good track leads up the easterly side of the house and then follows the tree lined Vorlich Burn before striking out onto the open hill. A well worn path, much eroded in places, leads to the rocky summit.

Stuc a Chroin (peak of danger) is another high mountain, connected to Ben Vorlich by a deep bealach or col. Ascent of this peak is steep and much of the ground is rocky and broken ? definitely not for the inexperienced. Those that make it to the summit, on a clear day, will be rewarded with views south to Stirling Castle and even Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.

Before starting the walk look out for a small gravestone at the roadside near where are 'interred the bodies of seven MacDonalds of Glencoe'. These victims were killed by the people of Ardvorlich in retaliation for an earlier bloody raid by the MacDonald clan. The grave was rediscovered in the 19th century and a stone erected to commemorate the ghastly event. A reminder that life was not always peaceful in these parts.