How to Climb Ben More and Stob Binnein

Ben More and Stob Binnein are the highest mountains in the Southern Highlands south of Strathtay and among the most prominent in the region — a pair of shapely, towering peaks that dominate the skyline around Crianlarich. Climbed together, they make one of the great classic hill days within easy reach of the Central Belt. Here's how to do it.

The twin giants

Ben More (1,174m) — the Crianlarich one, not to be confused with Ben More on Mull — is the higher of the two and a huge, steep-sided cone. Stob Binnein (1,165m), its almost-twin, sits just to the south, the two linked by a high col called the Bealach-eadar-dha Beinn. Their symmetry and height make them unmistakable from miles around.

The route

The classic round climbs both in a day. A common approach tackles the steep northern flank of Ben More directly from Glen Dochart — a famously relentless, unremitting climb that gains height fast and gives no respite. From Ben More's summit you descend to the bealach and climb Stob Binnein, then return. Alternatively, some walkers make a horseshoe via Benmore Glen to spread the effort more evenly and avoid the brutal direct ascent. Either way it's around 12–14km and roughly 1,400m of ascent — a big, steep day, though technically straightforward with no scrambling.

What to expect

These are big, steep hills rather than difficult ones — the challenge is sustained ascent, not technical ground. Ben More's north face in particular is a stern test of the legs and lungs. In good conditions it's a superb, straightforward day; in winter both peaks hold snow well and the steep slopes can be avalanche-prone and require full winter skills. The summit of Ben More can be surprisingly cold and windy given its height and prominence, so carry proper layers even in summer.

Access and season

The hills rise straight from Glen Dochart on the A85, making them one of the more accessible big rounds from Glasgow and Stirling — a real draw for a fit day out. Choose good visibility for the views and the descent, and go early to enjoy the round without rushing. They sit at the heart of our Crianlarich and Trossachs bagging guide, a superb area for building experience on bigger hills.

Related guides

• Munro bagging around Crianlarich and the Trossachs
• How to plan a Munro route
• Munro bagging in the Southern Highlands
• Munros tracking app — offline maps and route for the twin round