
Ben Chonzie
Ben Chonzie: A beginner-friendly Munro in Scotland offering rewarding hikes and panoramic Highland views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, secure parking

Ben Chonzie
Best Time
Avoid crowds, secure parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ben Chonzie: A beginner-friendly Munro in Scotland offering rewarding hikes and panoramic Highland views.
"One of the easier Munros, with a clear path and stunning views on a good day!"

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Aim for an 8 am start to snag a spot at the car park and enjoy fewer people on the trail.
📱 Use Offline Maps
Download the Walkhighlands app for offline maps; crucial for navigation, especially in poor weather.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit Views
Summit of Ben Chonzie
Panoramic vistas of the Scottish Highlands on a clear day. Absolutely worth the climb!
Loch Turret Reservoir Approach
Glen Turret Car Park
A longer, more scenic route offering stunning views along the reservoir and ridge.
Beginner-Friendly Munro
Ascent path
One of Scotland's more accessible Munros, ideal for those new to mountain climbing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigation Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Aim for an 8 am start to snag a spot at the car park and enjoy fewer people on the trail.
📱 Use Offline Maps
Download the Walkhighlands app for offline maps; crucial for navigation, especially in poor weather.
⬆️ Turn Left at the Cairn
Remember to turn left at the cairn to stay on the main route and avoid boggy terrain.
🥾 Be Prepared for Bog
The path can be very boggy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Aim for an 8 am start to snag a spot at the car park and enjoy fewer people on the trail.
📱 Use Offline Maps
Download the Walkhighlands app for offline maps; crucial for navigation, especially in poor weather.
⬆️ Turn Left at the Cairn
Remember to turn left at the cairn to stay on the main route and avoid boggy terrain.
🥾 Be Prepared for Bog
The path can be very boggy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Ascent
Many visitors bring their dogs, who often enjoy the hike as much as their owners!
📸 Capture the Sunrise
An early start can reward you with breathtaking sunrise views over the Highlands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ben Chonzie is widely praised as an accessible and rewarding Munro, perfect for beginners and families. Hikers appreciate the clear path, stunning summit views on good days, and the dog-friendly nature of the trail. However, some find the main route can be boggy and navigation challenging in poor weather, with a few experiencing difficult conditions due to snow and misjudged crossings.
"First Munro climbed by me and my mum!
One of the easier ones as there is a clear path most of the way up, and fence posts taking you to the summit.
Nice scenery, and was around 6 hours in total for us, at average fitness. Pace was easy going, with plenty of breaks to admire the views!
As some have said, turn left at the marker. Would take the long way down though. It's quite easy to get lost on the way back down to the path, so best to use some form of tracking if possible
Would recommend "walkhighlands" app as it's free, and you can download an offline version of the walk beforehand that signposts milestones. You can also use the phone gps to show where you are in the OS map overlay built into the app!
Overall it was really enjoyable, and manageable by most, even creatures without legs! (See photo of the slow worm) 😁"
Mark Liu
"Okay so full disclosure, I am sure Ben Chonzie could be beautiful at the top but was a white out when we visited (check video), do recommend the longer walk along Loch Turret Reservoir, but we messed up the return whilst there was more than a foot of snow on top of heather on bog. Plus when the guide books say 'cross the burn' this is for the Summer not February, which was our mistake, we know. Meant that we had to backtrack 2-3km upstream until we managed to find a crossing place, all told the walk turned into 19.5km, lasted 8 hours and my knees were knackered. Seems even sillier when we got to the summit in 2.5 hours!"
Mike Letchford
"Beautiful walk. Not easy but not difficult either. Recommend getting here around 8am to get a space and enjoy the walk without crowds although it wasn't too bad for amount of people. Give yourself a full day so you can enjoy the views and take your time. Roughly a round trip of 9 miles."
Philip Kellett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common parking is at the Glen Turret car park near Loch Turret Reservoir. Arriving early, around 8 am, is recommended to secure a space, especially on weekends. Some visitors opt for alternative starting points, but Glen Turret is generally considered the most convenient for the main route.
Public transport options to the trailhead are limited. The nearest towns with bus services are Comrie and Crieff. From there, you would likely need to arrange a taxi or a pre-booked transfer to reach the Glen Turret car park.
The most popular route starts from the Glen Turret car park, following a clear path for much of the ascent. A longer, more scenic option involves approaching from the reservoir and returning along the ridge. Always consult resources like Walkhighlands for detailed route descriptions and maps.
Yes, a circular walk is possible by approaching from the Glen Turret car park and returning along the ridge on the other side, crossing the dam. This offers varied scenery but is a longer undertaking.
The walk typically takes between 4 to 6 hours for a round trip, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to admire the views. Some visitors have reported longer times due to navigation challenges or snow.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to climb Ben Chonzie. It is a public mountain accessible to all.
Ben Chonzie is accessible at any time, as it is an open mountain. However, it is advisable to plan your hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no official visitor center at Ben Chonzie. Information and resources are best found online through websites like Walkhighlands or by using navigation apps.
While there isn't an official guided tour service, many local outdoor activity providers offer guided hikes in the Scottish Highlands, which may include Ben Chonzie. It's worth searching for local guides if you prefer to hike with an expert.
Preparation involves checking the weather forecast, wearing appropriate hiking gear (waterproofs, sturdy boots), carrying sufficient food and water, and having a reliable navigation tool like an offline map app.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The initial part of the main route is a wide, not too steep, and relatively rocky path. After turning left at the cairn, it can become quite boggy, especially in wetter conditions. The final ascent to the summit is a minor incline.
On a clear day, the summit offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Scottish Highlands. It sits majestically over the nearest mountains, providing great vistas. However, visibility can be poor in bad weather, leading to white-out conditions.
Ben Chonzie is generally considered one of the easier Munros, making it suitable for beginners. It's described as a steady climb with a clear path for most of the way. However, the boggy sections and potential for poor weather mean it still requires a reasonable level of fitness and preparation.
Yes, Ben Chonzie is often recommended for families with children due to its relatively straightforward path. However, ensure children are adequately prepared for the terrain and weather conditions.
Absolutely! Ben Chonzie is a very popular hike for dog owners. Many dogs enjoy the trail and the opportunity to explore the open landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit views on a clear day are spectacular. Sunrise and sunset can also offer dramatic lighting. The approach via Loch Turret Reservoir provides beautiful reflections and expansive landscapes.
Early morning for sunrise or late afternoon for golden hour can provide stunning light. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Don't forget a waterproof camera bag or protection for your gear, as the weather can change quickly.
The summit itself offers the most expansive views. The ridge walk along the Loch Turret Reservoir approach also provides numerous scenic points.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your shot to give a sense of scale. Shooting from a lower vantage point looking up can also emphasize the height of the mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Glen Turret Reservoir approach for a more varied experience, or stick to the main path for a more direct route. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit, coupled with the potential for stunning views, can be incredibly motivating for younger hikers. Ensure you have a reliable way to track your route, as getting lost can be stressful for everyone.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic lunch and snacks is highly recommended, as there are no facilities at the trailhead. This not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy your meal amidst the beautiful scenery. For those traveling by public transport, research bus routes to nearby towns like Comrie or Crieff and factor in potential taxi costs to the trailhead.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring plenty of water for your dog, especially on warmer days. The boggy sections can be fun for dogs to splash through, but be mindful of their paws on rocky terrain. The summit views are a great reward for both you and your furry friend!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ben Chonzie: Tips from the Trail
For those seeking a more robust navigation tool, the Walkhighlands app is frequently recommended. It offers offline maps and GPS tracking, which can be invaluable when mobile signal is weak or non-existent. This is particularly important if you plan to explore less common routes or if weather conditions deteriorate unexpectedly. Remember that guidebooks often refer to summer conditions, so crossing burns in winter might require significant detours.
Beyond the main path, the approach from Glen Turret car park offers a different experience. This route is longer but provides stunning views along Loch Turret Reservoir and the surrounding ridges. It allows for a circuit walk, returning via the dam, which many find more rewarding than a simple out-and-back.
The Munro Experience: Ben Chonzie for Beginners
While considered beginner-friendly, it's important not to underestimate the mountain. The weather in the Scottish Highlands can change rapidly, and visibility at the summit can be significantly reduced, leading to white-out conditions. Visitors are advised to check the forecast thoroughly and be prepared for all conditions, including wind, rain, and potentially snow, even outside of winter months. This preparation ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery that Ben Chonzie offers on a clear day.
Many visitors also highlight the dog-friendly nature of Ben Chonzie. It's common to see hikers with their canine companions enjoying the trails, making it a great destination for those who like to hike with their pets. The overall experience is often described as rewarding, with the sense of achievement amplified by the stunning natural beauty of the area.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit