Ben Lawers
About Ben Lawers
Ben Lawers is the tenth highest mountain in Britain and the highest in the southern Highlands. It's famous for its arctic-alpine flora and was once thought to be Scotland's highest peak.
Height & Prominence of Ben Lawers
Ben Lawers stands at 1214 metres (3983 feet) above sea level, according to Ordnance Survey data. Its topographic prominence is 901 metres, meaning it rises at least that far above the col connecting it to the nearest higher peak. Ben Lawers is part of the Breadalbane Mountains. The OS grid reference is NN 636414, which you can use to locate the summit on any Ordnance Survey Explorer or Landranger map.
Ben Lawers carries the classifications of Munro, Marilyn. As a Munro, it is one of Scotland's 282 summits over 3,000 ft (914.4 m), as originally catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891.
Location & Nearest Towns
Ben Lawers is located in Scotland, Perth and Kinross, within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. It sits in the Breadalbane area.
For official access information and any seasonal restrictions, check the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs authority.
Safety Tips
Always check forecasts before setting out. Summit conditions differ dramatically from valley level.
Carry map, compass/GPS, water, food, first aid, whistle, torch, and waterproofs.
Tell someone your route and return time. Stick to marked paths. Be ready to turn back.
Ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Know your grid reference.
On the Mountain: Walking Ben Lawers
Ben Lawers is a moderate walk that rewards careful planning. The summit sits at 1214m, where conditions can feel distinctly different from the valley — wind speeds are typically 30–50% stronger above 800m, and the temperature drops roughly 1°C for every 100m of ascent. In cloud, the cairn at the top can be hard to spot, so keep a map and compass to hand even on well-marked paths.
After your walk, the nearest village is a good place for a pint and a debrief. For detailed route descriptions and trip reports from other walkers, Walkhighlands is an excellent resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Lawers one of the best mountains to climb in the UK?
Yes, Ben Lawers is considered one of the best mountains to climb in the UK thanks to its scenic routes, 1214m elevation, and moderate difficulty level.
What difficulty level is Ben Lawers?
Ben Lawers has a difficulty rating of Moderate. Various routes are available for different experience levels.
When is the best time to climb Ben Lawers?
The best season is Spring to Autumn. Summit temperatures are typically 5–10°C colder than the valley, and conditions can change rapidly.
Why Visit Ben Lawers?
Ben Lawers stands at 1214m (3983ft) in Scotland, Perth and Kinross. Classified as a Munro and Marilyn, it is a rewarding destination for hikers, climbers, and photographers.
Browse our UK mountains directory to discover more peaks, or see all mountains A–Z.
Nearby Peaks to Explore
Looking beyond Ben Lawers? These peaks are close by and worth exploring.
