Ben Lomond, easily accessible from most parts of central Scotland and offering magnificent views from its summit, is Scotland’s southernmost ‘Munro’ (mountain over 3,000ft) and is probably one of the most climbed hills in Scotland.

For all its popularity it should not be treated lightly especially in stormy or wet weather when the unexpected onset of heavy rain and cloud can find the unwary cyclist dangerously close to sheer rock faces and falls . On our last trip we found that the weather at the summit was absolutely freezing, so be warned. Make sure that you wear appropriate clothing. A pair of full finger gloves is essential if you don't want to lose your fingers to frostbite. Glasgow MTB Mad also suggests that each rider has at least one spare inner tube as the terrain is not tyre friendly.

The main path starts near the little pier and behind the public toilets at Rowardennan car park and climbs through the woods on a rather wet and slippery track to a gate. You will have to carry the bike up a rocky section at this point. Once out of the trees Loch Lomond becomes increasingly visible behind you and with views opening up to the lowland hills in the south and south east. The views to the north and west become increasingly spectacular with the unmissable outline of the Cobbler (Ben Arthur) apparent to the north west at Arrochar. The path veers left round the corrie Coire Corrach and up to the Sron Aonaich ridge. Most of this section is rideable but lungbursting. Please pass the utmost respect to walkers as this is essentially their domain.

The final and steepest part of the climb zig-zags up to the 3195ft summit, where you will find that the weather can change dramatically. You will have earned a breathtaking view down into corrie Coire a’ Bhathaich on the north side. The panorama from the summit includes a bevy of peaks, from Bens Cruachan, Lui, Nevis, More, Lawers and Stobinian with Ben Ledi and Ben Venue in The Trossachs, the Paps of Jura in the west and Goat Fell with its sisters on the Isle of Arran.

Return by the same route. The descent is absolutely fantastic and can be insanely fast. There are a few dangerous drop offs and rocks to overcome so be careful. Beware of walkers as you really do not want to hit someone at 30+ mph. Please take time out to have a chat with the walkers as they are well impressed with your attempt. I guarantee that when you get to the bottom your wrists will be in agony from trail buzz and the white knuckle ride down.

Enjoy

Jim Shields