Ben Starav
About Ben Starav
Ben Starav is a prominent Munro above the head of Loch Etive with a striking conical shape. The ascent from the River Etive offers dramatic scenery.
Height & Prominence of Ben Starav
Ben Starav stands at 1078 metres (3537 feet) above sea level, according to Ordnance Survey data. Its topographic prominence is 758 metres, meaning it rises at least that far above the col connecting it to the nearest higher peak. Ben Starav is part of the Glen Etive Mountains. The OS grid reference is NN 125427, which you can use to locate the summit on any Ordnance Survey Explorer or Landranger map.
Ben Starav 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 Starav is located in Scotland, Argyll and Bute, within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. It sits in the Glen Etive area. The nearest towns and villages include Glen Etive, Glencoe, Dalness, where you can find accommodation, pubs, and supplies before or after your walk.
For official access information and any seasonal restrictions, check the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park authority.
Interesting Facts
- Prominent conical peak above Loch Etive
- Part of the Glen Etive Munros group
- Glen Etive was a filming location for the James Bond film Skyfall
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 Starav
Ben Starav is a hard walk that rewards careful planning. The summit sits at 1078m, 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 — Glen Etive — 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.
Nearby Dining
- Kings House Hotel
- Glencoe village cafes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Starav one of the best mountains to climb in the UK?
Yes, Ben Starav is considered one of the best mountains to climb in the UK thanks to its scenic routes, 1078m elevation, and hard difficulty level.
What difficulty level is Ben Starav?
Ben Starav has a difficulty rating of Hard. Various routes are available for different experience levels.
When is the best time to climb Ben Starav?
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 Starav?
Ben Starav stands at 1078m (3537ft) in Scotland, Argyll and Bute. 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.
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