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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 10: Ben Lawers

Region: Southern Highlands (Perthshire)
Height: 1,214m (3,984 ft)

Ben Lawers is the highest mountain in the Southern Highlands and the tenth-highest Munro in Scotland. It anchors a ridge of seven Munros and is known for its rich alpine flora, sweeping views over Loch Tay, and well-maintained paths. For campervan travellers, access is straightforward, with a dedicated car park and nearby facilities.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Ben Lawers National Trust Car Park

  • Location: Off the minor road between Killin and Bridge of Balgie, near Lochan na Lairige
  • Grid Reference: NN608378
  • Capacity: Moderate, suitable for campervans during the day
  • Facilities: Information boards, picnic area, no toilets
  • Charges: Free
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Ben Lawers Hotel Car Park: £5 per day, suitable for car shuffles or overflow
  • Lochan na Lairige roadside laybys: Limited space, check signage
  • Killin: Full services and nearby campsites for overnight stays

Note: The access road is narrow and winding; drive with care, especially in larger vehicles

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas Circuit

  • Distance: Approximately 11 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 metres
  • Terrain: Grassy slopes, well-built paths, rocky summit
  • Time Estimate: 5 to 7 hours

Navigation Notes

  • Paths are well-marked and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland
  • Summit is often cloud-covered, map and compass are still recommended
  • The route can be extended to include An Stuc, Meall Garbh, and Meall Greigh

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Ben Lawers Car Park allows daytime campervan access
  • Ben Lawers Hotel and roadside laybys offer overflow options

Overnight Options

  • Killin: Campsites with full facilities, 15-minute drive from the trailhead
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage and local guidance)

Fuel and Supplies

  • Killin: Fuel station, small supermarkets, outdoor shops
  • Nearest large supermarket: Aberfeldy or Callander

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: Possibly from Gaelic “Beinn Labhair”, meaning “hill of loud stream”
  • Known for: Rare alpine plants, including alpine gentian and dwarf willow
  • Conservation: Managed by the National Trust for Scotland as a nature reserve
  • Historic routes: Once climbed from the now-ruined Lawers village on Loch Tay’s shore

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 10 in our every-second-day campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Ben Lawers, parked nearby, or explored the full ridge, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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