The name Ben Lomond (Beinn Laomainn) means "beacon mountain" in Scottish Gaelic — a hill whose summit was used as a signal fire.
Ben Lomond is a 974m (3195ft) Scottish mountain classified as a Munro, one of 282 Munros in Scotland. It has a prominence of 820m, making it a particularly independent summit. At this altitude, summit conditions can be severe — check the Ben Lomond wind chill, freezing level and cloud base before setting out. Winter walking on Ben Lomond requires full mountain equipment.
Ben Lomond, 974 metres (3,196 ft), is a mountain in the Scottish Highlands. Situated on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, it is the most southerly of the Munros.
Geology: The bedrock here is North Britain Siluro — Devonian calc-alkaline dyke suite-felsite — a light-coloured, fine-grained volcanic rock. Age: Silurian Period.
Planning to walk Ben Lomond? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 974m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Ben Lomond: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 974m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on exposed summits than in the valley below).
Ben Lomond weather can change quickly at 974m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Ben Lomond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Ben Lomond?
Ben Lomond is 974 metres (3195 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Munro in Scotland.
What is the weather like on Ben Lomond?
At 974m, Ben Lomond experiences significantly harsher conditions than the valleys below. Summit temperatures are typically 6-8°C colder due to the lapse rate, winds are stronger and more exposed, and cloud cover can reduce visibility to just a few metres. Always check the summit forecast before setting out — hillandglen.com shows live wind chill, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk updated hourly.
Is Ben Lomond safe to climb in winter?
Ben Lomond is a serious winter mountain at 974m. Snow, ice and sub-zero wind chill are common from November to April. Full winter equipment is essential: ice axe, crampons, waterproofs, warm layers and navigation tools. Always check the freezing level and wind forecast before attempting a winter ascent. Check the SAIS avalanche forecast for Scottish mountains.
What is a Munro?
A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres), named after Sir Hugh Munro who first catalogued them in 1891. There are currently 282 Munros. Completing all of them is known as "Munro bagging" — a popular challenge for hillwalkers.
When is the best time to climb Ben Lomond?
The best months for climbing Ben Lomond are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. June often has the best combination of long daylight hours and settled weather, with midges at their worst in July-August. Winter ascents (November-April) are possible but require full winter mountaineering equipment and experience.
Free summit weather forecasts for over 20,000 British and Irish hills. Designed for hikers, runners, and climbers who need accurate mountain conditions — not just city weather.
