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Ben Chonzie

4.6
·120 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Avoid crowds, secure parking

CrowdMedium
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The start

Ben Chonzie

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Avoid crowds, secure parking

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(120 reviews)

"One of the easier Munros, with a clear path and stunning views on a good day!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Summit Views

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

Loch Turret Reservoir Approach

Glen Turret Car Park

A longer, more scenic route offering stunning views along the reservoir and ridge.

Beginner-Friendly Munro

Beginner-Friendly Munro

Ascent path

One of Scotland's more accessible Munros, ideal for those new to mountain climbing.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends. Many visitors recommend an 8 am start to secure parking and enjoy a more peaceful ascent. Check weather forecasts, as visibility can change rapidly at the summit.

Navigation Essentials

While Ben Chonzie has a clear path for much of the way, the terrain can get boggy and navigation can be tricky, especially in poor weather or snow. Using a reliable offline map app like Walkhighlands is highly recommended for tracking your route and avoiding getting lost.

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Avoid crowds, secure parking
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter trails, peaceful ascent
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Stunning colours, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ben Chonzie, Munro 47 - Round 2 ⛰️ Left the car at 9:30am to take on one of Scotland’s easier Munro’s with only 710 metres elevation to climb. Nice morning but Very windy Run/Hike with @rachael_mcgoldrick 🫶 #hikingadventures #hiking #explore #mountains #adventure #run #scotland #trailrun #trail #trailrunningcommunity
scottbevytrails
0 likes • 3.1K views

🎯 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. Reddit

📱 Use Offline Maps

Download the Walkhighlands app for offline maps; crucial for navigation, especially in poor weather. Reddit

Munros Uncovered - Episode 3 - Ben Chonzie 🎥⛰️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 This is my brand new series where I will be going on a journey to climb all of Scotlands Munros! I was joined by my mate @craigferguson_1 and special guest @theweepiedpiper for this double Munro on Ben Chonzie, bagging my fourth Munro! Tune in every Monday at 6pm UK time for a brand new episode! #Munrosuncovered #scotland #munro #munrobagg...
scotland_uncovered
1.9K likes • 49K views
Ben Chonzie Hill Race. 🏞️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️ 19/04/2025 #trail #trails #scotland #running #trailrunninglife #nature #peace #freedom
franrizaphoto
0 likes • 654 views

⬆️ Turn Left at the Cairn

Remember to turn left at the cairn to stay on the main route and avoid boggy terrain. Reddit

🥾 Be Prepared for Bog

The path can be very boggy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must! Reddit

Scotland is such a beautiful country and I’m proud to call it my home so I headed North at the weekend and attempted to climb my first Munro: Ben Chonzie (pronounced Ben Y Hone apparently) There’s something incredibly special about the Scottish Highlands..the scenery is truly breathtaking and as we ascended the moorland, I quickly realised I had underestimated the challenge ahead and was dying on...
keithcooks_
291 likes • 8.8K views

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. Reddit

📱 Use Offline Maps

Download the Walkhighlands app for offline maps; crucial for navigation, especially in poor weather. Reddit

⬆️ Turn Left at the Cairn

Remember to turn left at the cairn to stay on the main route and avoid boggy terrain. Reddit

🥾 Be Prepared for Bog

The path can be very boggy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Ascent

Many visitors bring their dogs, who often enjoy the hike as much as their owners! Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Sunrise

An early start can reward you with breathtaking sunrise views over the Highlands. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(120 reviews)

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

Beginner-friendly Munro
Stunning summit views
Dog-friendly trails

What People Dislike

Boggy terrain
Navigation challenges
Poor visibility in fog

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. Reddit Some visitors opt for alternative starting points, but Glen Turret is generally considered the most convenient for the main route. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit Always consult resources like Walkhighlands for detailed route descriptions and maps. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to climb Ben Chonzie. It is a public mountain accessible to all. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit However, visibility can be poor in bad weather, leading to white-out conditions. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit However, the boggy sections and potential for poor weather mean it still requires a reasonable level of fitness and preparation. Reddit

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. Instagram

Absolutely! Ben Chonzie is a very popular hike for dog owners. Many dogs enjoy the trail and the opportunity to explore the open landscape. Instagram+1

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

The summit itself offers the most expansive views. The ridge walk along the Loch Turret Reservoir approach also provides numerous scenic points. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ben Chonzie is a fantastic choice for families looking for an introduction to mountain hiking. Its reputation as one of Scotland's easier Munros means the ascent is manageable for children with a reasonable level of fitness. Instagram The clear path and fence posts provide a good sense of direction, reducing anxiety for both parents and kids. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and dress children in layers to adapt to changing weather. Instagram

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. Instagram Ensure you have a reliable way to track your route, as getting lost can be stressful for everyone. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Ben Chonzie is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers as there are no entry fees or parking charges (though parking can be limited). The primary costs will be transportation to the trailhead and any food or gear you might need. Instagram Utilizing the free Walkhighlands app for navigation significantly reduces the need for expensive paper maps or GPS devices. Reddit

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. Instagram 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. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Ben Chonzie is a paradise for dog owners! It's a highly dog-friendly Munro, with many visitors bringing their canine companions along for the adventure. Instagram+1 The open terrain and clear paths (for the most part) allow dogs to roam and explore safely. Ensure your dog is on a lead when necessary, especially near the reservoir or if encountering other hikers and their pets. Instagram

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! Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Ben Chonzie: Tips from the Trail

Ben Chonzie is known for its generally clear path, but the terrain can be deceptive. Many hikers, especially those new to the mountain, emphasize the importance of reliable navigation. The path can become boggy, particularly after rainfall, and in winter conditions, snow can obscure the trail entirely. Turning left at the cairn is a crucial instruction to stay on the intended route and avoid getting lost in the heather and bog. Reddit+1

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Munro Experience: Ben Chonzie for Beginners

Ben Chonzie is often cited as one of Scotland's easier Munros, making it an excellent starting point for aspiring Munro baggers. Its accessibility and relatively straightforward ascent path have made it a popular choice for those taking on their first mountain over 3,000 feet. Instagram+1 The climb is described as steady, with fence posts often guiding the way to the summit, providing a sense of direction and accomplishment. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit 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. Instagram 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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1 The overall experience is often described as rewarding, with the sense of achievement amplified by the stunning natural beauty of the area. Instagram

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