Highlight • Natural Monument
Stob Binnein
Hiking
5.0
(39)
Mountaineering
5.0
(1)
Whilst hikers usually climb Stob Binnein from the north, you can also start from Inverlochlarig in the south. Whichever direction you hike from, standing on Stob Binnein’s lofty summit in clear weather is a breathtaking affair. You might need a sit down to admire it though, given the challenging, breathless ascent.
Hiking up the Crianlarich twins
These twin peaks make for a fantastic day out by themselves but if you want to push yourself to the max, you can add in numerous surrounding Munros too. As it is, hiking Ben More and Stob Binnein sets you up for an exhilarating day alone, as to get from one to the other requires significant descent and reascent.
Benmore farm, to the north, is a typical starting point and can be found just east of Crianlarich, a good place to make your base. The trails begin steep and stay steep so layer accordingly to allow for the inevitable and quick build up of body heat. As you climb though, the glen drops away beneath you and the views soon become blissful.
Ben More is typically ascended first, via Cuidhe Chrom, but you can hike direct to Stob Binnein if you prefer. Winter and spring conditions can get perilous here and when the weather turns wintry, only experienced mountaineers with the right equipment should attempt the mountain.
From the summit, look south across the extraordinary Trossachs and Arrochar Alps. To the north, Ben More can be admired and behind, peaks puncture the sky at regular intervals.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
November 3, 2022
Hiking
October 7, 2021
Hiking
Once done descending toward Ben More and down to the left is easiest. A path can be picked up and take round Ben More back to the road.
September 20, 2021
Mountaineering
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Stob Binnein
4.7
(53)
712
hikers
12.2km
06:03
1,210m
1,210m
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.
4.5
(6)
47
hikers
10.1km
05:45
990m
990m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,220 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
no
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
no
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Tuesday 23 June
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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