The Sustainable Stop promotes responsible travel and eco-conscious campervan living, offering insights on sustainable destinations, campervan design, and etiquette. It emphasizes supporting local businesses and communities while encouraging eco-friendly practices. By fostering a community dedicated to reducing environmental impact, it seeks donations and support to maintain its mission.

The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 16: Ben More

Region: Firth of Clyde to Strathtay
Height: 1,174m (3,851 ft)

Ben More is the highest peak in the Crianlarich group and one of the most prominent Munros in the southern Highlands. Its steep, direct ascent from the roadside makes it a classic challenge, often paired with neighbouring Stob Binnein. For campervan travellers, access is straightforward, though overnighting requires nearby planning.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Benmore Farm Layby (A85)

  • Location: Just east of Crianlarich, off the A85
  • Grid Reference: NN411244
  • Capacity: Limited roadside layby; suitable for small campervans during the day
  • Facilities: None at the trailhead; nearest services in Crianlarich
  • Charges: Free
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Crianlarich: Campsite with full facilities, 5-minute drive from the trailhead
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along the A85 (check signage and local guidance)
  • Benmore Farm: Occasionally offers paid parking by arrangement
  • Alternative long layby on A82 offers access for extended Crianlarich Munro circuits.

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Direct route via North Ridge from Benmore Farm, often extended to include Stob Binnein via the connecting bealach.

  • Distance: Approximately 10 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 metres
  • Terrain: Steep grassy slopes, occasional rocky sections
  • Time Estimate: 5 to 7 hours

Navigation Notes

  • The path is clear but steep, especially in wet conditions
  • Often extended to include Stob Binnein via the connecting bealach
  • The summit can be cloud-covered; a map and compass are still recommended

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Benmore Farm layby allows daytime campervan access
  • Crianlarich offers overflow options and amenities

Overnight Options

  • Crianlarich Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage)
  • No overnighting permitted at Benmore Farm layby

Fuel and Supplies

  • Crianlarich: Fuel station, small shop, café
  • Nearest large supermarket: Tyndrum or Killin

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Beinn Mhòr” translates to “big mountain”
  • Summit features: Cairn with wide views across the southern Highlands
  • Known for: Steep ascent, prominence, and classic pairing with Stob Binnein
  • Historically significant: One of the few Munros with a summit trig point

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 16 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Ben More, paired it with Stob Binnein, or found a reliable overnight spot nearby, 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:

“Exciting news: Spiralmore, the cross-disciplinary project hub, is evolving! A new version is coming soon to help you combine accessibility with sustainability, science, and reflective learning. Stay tuned for updates.”

Subscribe to the new, improved Spiralmore