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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 29: Ben Lui (Beinn Laoigh)

Region: Southern Highlands – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Height: 1,130m (3,707 ft)

Ben Lui, “mountain of the calf,” is a sculptural icon of the Southern Highlands, often called the Queen of the South for its elegant symmetry and dramatic northeast corrie. Its summit dome rises above Glen Lochy and Cononish Glen, frequently paired with Beinn a’ Chleibh for a classic twin-Munro circuit. The approach via Dalrigh offers a ceremonial rhythm through woodland and glen, while the steeper Glen Lochy route provides a direct, pathless ascent. The summit offers mythic views across Ben Oss, Beinn Dubhchraig, and the folded ridges of Loch Lomond.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Points include the Dalrigh car park near Tyndrum (for the Cononish Glen route) and a forestry layby in Glen Lochy (for the direct ascent). Both are suitable for daytime campervan access, though Glen Lochy is steeper and less forgiving for larger vehicles. Facilities are absent at both trailheads, but Tyndrum offers toilets, fuel, cafés, and outdoor gear. Overnighting is possible with discretion in roadside laybys, though the Tyndrum campsite provides a more ceremonial base.

Route Overview

The Dalrigh route offers a scenic and steady approach through Cononish Glen, climbing into the corrie before ascending steeply to the summit dome. The Glen Lochy route is shorter but more direct, with boggy terrain and fewer waymarks. Most pilgrims link Ben Lui with Beinn a’ Chleibh, forming a satisfying circuit with varied terrain and leisurely pacing. The summit is broad and cairned, with dramatic drops to the north and east.

Dalrigh route: ~14.5 km, ~6 hours
Glen Lochy route: ~10 km, ~5.5 hours
Ben Lui + Beinn a’ Chleibh circuit: ~12 km, ~7 hours
Winter Central Gully ascent: ~15 km, ~7.5 hours (technical)

Navigation Notes

A map and compass are essential, especially in mist or snow. GPS is helpful for ridge transitions and descent pacing. Winter ascents via the Central Gully are technical and require a full kit, ice axe, crampons, and experience. The northeast corrie is steep and sculptural, offering a mythic backdrop for ceremonial movement.

Campervan Suitability

Day parking is available at Dalrigh and Glen Lochy, though the latter is more discreet and less spacious. Overnight options include the Tyndrum campsite, wild laybys near Glen Lochy, and community-supported staging in Crianlarich. The area is popular with walkers and photographers—arrive early and pack with foresight.

Dalrigh Car Park: Approx. NN342292

Glen Lochy Layby: Approx. NN239283

Fuel and Supplies

Tyndrum offers a fuel station, small shop, café, and outdoor gear. Crianlarich provides additional services, and larger supermarkets are available in Callander or Fort William. Water refill and restocking are best done before entering Glen Lochy.

Legacy Log

Ben Lui’s name, “Beinn Laoigh,” evokes the image of a calf-shaped hill, gentle yet powerful. Its summit dome is symmetrical and commanding, with a hush that invites pause and reflection. Known for its prominence, twin-Munro linkage, and mythic elegance, it draws legacy stewards and ridge pilgrims alike.

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 29 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve traced the calf’s hush, paused at the corrie’s edge, or found a rhythm in Cononish’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports 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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