Scotland Day Walks | Ben Vorlich

[@stevensteptoe682]

I did exactly the same route up that you both did, 18 years ago, having taken to train to Ardlui* from Glasgow. Going down I went down the little hill route your guidebook prescribed, and I can confirm that it is over steep, rocky and challenging ground. I still have the Sigg water bottle that fell from my rucksack on the way down that day, and the large dent it suffered as it clattered off boulders is a permanent reminder of a great day out. As you comfirmed, not many folk take that route (yours is the first one I've seen on KZbin), with most folk favouring the Loch Sloy route, having first parked at the power station visitor centre. The single-track road you walked back along to meet the A82, serves as a route to the base of Ben Vane, more or less opposite Ben Vorlich on the other side of the dam. *Ardlui is, or was at the time, a contender for the title of most gentrified train station in Britain. There's not a lot there to speak of (a timetable board, an intercom, and a wooden shelter on the single central platform island that sits between the main track and the passing loop). Humble as it is, the shelter did however boast a very comfortable chintz armchair, and stacks of back issues of The Lady, and Horse And Hounds.

[@MG-bs5mr]

That train station is lovely isn't it. It's possible to park at Ardlui or Inveruglas then walk through to the other, then use the citylink bus to reach the car. It needs perfect timing though 👍

[@MG-bs5mr]

I regret to inform you that when I was at the station (2019) the armchair was gone 😔

[@barrieduncan4835]

Great video of a great walk. It's well over 20 years since I climbed Ben Vorlich and I remember it as an absolute slog! We took the train from Glasgow to Ardlui and struggled to find a way on to the hill. We did find an 'underpass' of sorts but think it was a different one, it was very low and you had to almost bend over double to get through it. There was no clear path then (that we found anyway) and heavy mist didn't help. I have to say, I don't remember a trig point, so perhaps we didn't even make it to the actual summit! Oh well, happy days anyway. The A82 is a horrible enough road to drive on, never mind walk - I didn't envy you that one bit! Glad you made it back safe, thanks for the video!

[@eastsaxon67]

I really look forward to your films, you seem so happy and in love at the moment it's infectious. What a view, what a clime absolutely breathtaking. Thank you ladies.

[@supertigger6660]

I absolutely love your videos they always put a smile on my face. I'll be hopefully doing some walking in Scotland this summer (all going well) and this video has got me well excited for it.

[@hikingwolfRN]

Awesome as always!!!!!

[@JP-lk2qs]

What a beautiful scenic walk!top of my list now

[@Gez-C]

Those views looked amazing and beautiful!

[@clairecletc9011]

“Splosh, splosh splosh.... that is a boggy walk! Great views and very peaceful. Still smiling despite the traffic. Thanks Abbie and Anna

[@tracystevenson3203]

My husband has climb Ben vorlich twice and both times he started the walk at invergulas. Using walkhighlands route

[@Stewartmcf80]

Great video. You were correct the first time with the true summit (943m). The trig is at 941. Looked like a fantastic day walking 👍🏻

[@aaronmcghee2286]

I've attempted today hitch-hike that road before, it's a scary experience. Glad you guys are safe.

[@MG-bs5mr]

At the start you sjould have carried on down the A82 for a bit and cut in onto a track behind a farm, then from there up into the corrie, it's much drier for a spell. Failing that head north west from the underpass and up onto the 2nd top north of Vorlich, turn south up over another top then up onto Vorlich. Then turn around at the summit and turn east on the bealeach that you came up, down into the corrie and that underpass. Or find that track that leads to the farm south of the underpass, much better ground. 👍

[@irenemann671]

Thanks for sharing Abbey. . . Loved it, really soul food

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thank you Abbie and Anna. 🙂👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@charlesmcwilliam8727]

The proper path starts by parking at Invergulas visitor center (£5 charge) walking up the road passing power station on your right. turning into the tarmac road of the quarry and following path for 1.5m keeping to the right at any junctions. where you can see the dam ahead there are stepping stones across a burn and thats you at the start of the path up, its clearly visible at this point. the ascent is sharp to begin with.

[@johnmacleod7722]

apologies for my fellow Scots for not stopping give yous a lift but great to see it didn't dampen your mood fantastic video 👌👍👍

[@andrewclark8630]

I was in a similar position myself around that time. Out and about I had never met such hospitable people but needed a lift just 2-3 miles. I think there was a still a lot of Covid anxiety at the time.

[@markbabineau7049]

One of the most beautiful views from the top. Thank you for sharing your experience. Although I didn't envy your walk back on the road. "Wherever you are, be where you are, else you will miss your life"

[@simonjones7727]

That road is so scary at the end

[@philipizzard2584]

Beautiful walk thanks for sharing this xx

[@marcomclean3605]

Thank you

[@daviemcf]

Fantastic video Abbie....the scenery was amazing and weather fantastic....Loch Sloy is where the Clan McFarlane originated from so was great to be up in the hills. It was a shame you couldn't get a lift....I felt really sorry for you girls....I can't wait for your next adventure so stay healthy and stay safe....take care Abbie and Anna! :-)

[@allano937]

Ive walked on the A82 a few times from Ardlui to Inveranan. It's only about 2 miles but when it's buzy, it's not a nice walk. The traffic comes in too close for comfort. Next time your up that way, visit the Drovers inn and Ben Glas campsite.

[@blablette7614]

What a beautiful walk and the views are beautiful! The walks along the road looks scary as hell, but you were careful! Well done, you two!

[@marcomclean3605]

Haven't watched this one just about to but I absolutely love your content.

[@Scottishebikeadventures]

Nice video Abbie. The usual route for Ben Vorlich is park at Inveruglas and walk up the access road to Sloy Dam.Gron this road you can pick off Ben Vane too.

[@globalunityconsciousness]

Great video Abbie, we live in Findhorn and love exploring Scottish Highlands. Good luck.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Great video. Beautiful views. Sad sign of the times that there is no bus running on such a busy road, or if there is it is so infrequent that you weren't passed by one.

[@philwilson3251]

Love Ben Vorlich, one of my favourite wee hills, never done it from Ardlui though. Will need to give that a try once the lockdown restrictions are lifted. And I'd have given you a lift round the corner to Ardlui even if I was heading the other way - it's only a few minutes in the car.

[@cornishjimbo1031]

Beautiful walk. Did this one in June 2017. One of the better weather days in Scotlandshire!

[@stevesmith3990]

That was a great adventure, thanks for the video!

[@Nate1975]

You own your videos, girl! Lovely to see

[@smurph4959]

The cows! 💗 love them 💗

[@rwalker9644]

Yay i found Abby and co in a gise i reconise again Cheers Rob

[@loopylou]

Amazing views but the road walking was scary 😨😳. Also top points for Abbie's pun....peatering out 😉

[@Benjamin-sq9co]

How difficult is the hike? I’m wanting to go with a group of people, but it would be good to know the difficulty level beforehand. Just for difficulty comparison, I’ve done Ben Venue in 2020 and Ben Lomond in 2015. So I haven’t been to hiking in a while - although I did do Ben A’an last year. Is this the one in Loch Lomond or Loch Earn?

[@trevilley]

I have to self isolate. It sucks👎👎.. I have been keeping my distance and doing everything they ask! It's going to be tough as I planned to be out into the country

[@clockie1990]

I love seeing your walks showcasing scotland. Btw the trig point us actually not the true summit :)

[@Junk_Jane]

The road you walked out on at the end is incredibly narrow and frequently used by lorries, caravans, and other large vehicles. I've driven it many, many times and it is my least favourite road to drive in Scotland as it is anxiety inducing just how close you are to oncoming traffic. I've seen many a walker on the verge and it causes me even more distress trying to navigate my car around them and between gaps of traffic. I know you said in your video you don't recommend that walk, but from the drivers' POV (not the beeping part, that's just obnoxious!) I can promise if the drivers were anything like me they were just as anxious about you being on the road as you were.

[@_andy_gibb_]

That was quite the hike and the views were absolutely stunning! I really felt for you both when you realized you were at a false summit - pity about the walk back along the road (there's no excuse for such behaviour from the car drivers) but the rest of the day looked great.

[@enavitalia]

Fab video, stunning views, funny repartee between the two of you. Oh, I wouldn't make it a habit to walk so close to a cow with calf. They can be very protective of their young? These cows seemed so docile. Still, 'heads up.'

[@brian44graham]

You probably know but I’ll tell you anyhow you climb over on the hinge side of the gate not the middle or the latch side school girl error ?👍

[@tracystevenson3203]

Looking at my photos I think you were at the true summit the first time. Good walk

[@alexandermajor6467]

Sorry to hear about all the crazy drivers - part of the mentality of some Scottish folk (and I'm Scottish). Sad that people wouldn't stop and give you a lift as it's only 5 minutes up the road from Inveruglas. Looks like you had a great day though - hope you come back to more hills in Scotland soon!

[@pawelmacpoof5687]

Envious of that sailboat at 6:53

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

That road looks scary. Cant wait until we can travel again but not sure I will be tackling this one! I kind of missed your unique pronunciation of Calendar though lol

[@stevewindermere7334]

Hi Abbie - great walk video - you are both going from strength to strength. The white flowers at 12.40 are Eyebright not Heath Bedstraw.

[@stevensteptoe682]

And three Munros called Ben More to further complicate things.

[@caren9790]

Love the calf who was dripping in milk.

[@alexanderrothney965]

love your video, but you could have climbed both Vorlich AND Vane in less time than it took you to do just the one Munro. Ben Vane is a real great little climb and I am sure you would have loved it as it has a bit of minor scrambling. By the way, the cairn is the true summit not the trig point.

[@MG-bs5mr]

I had to save a group of walkers from making that trig point mistake just yesterday.

[@josieamery3447]

I know you probably know this but remember to be really extremely careful around cows, especially if they have calves as they can be extremely protective and charge.

[@muzzmacc6411]

It's unfortunate that you had to 'hoof it' back to the car. It looked like an absolutely gorgeous evening.

[@robinwood8189]

Not living in Britain, I'm puzzled. What about Corvid?

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

This was filmed outside of a lockdown period. We are unfortunately back in one though seems to be easing in the right direction again.

[@pulchralutetia]

There are two Ben Vorlichs, just to complicate matters!

[@endurance-adventures]

I need some Red Pants of Power!! Beautiful walk

[@Karen-dq8nw]

That's so lame that no one picked you up! You don't look at all like axe murderers. Beautiful country up there; I love those views!

[@sicooper4230]

Oh for a house on that lake and waking up every morning to such unspoilt beauty..

[@dpax100]

You manage to make light of a very uncomfortable road walk. Must have been the high endorphins from the climb up the ben. Would've stop if I been passing you way , till next time 👍

[@scranneroram]

In those circumstances just one of you hitch back, leaving your rucksack with your mate, get the car and go back for the other. More likely to get a lift that way. I've never failed, and I'm a fat ugly bloke.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Top tip.

[@muzzmacc6411]

It's unfortunate that you had to 'hoof it' back to the car. It looked like an absolutely gorgeous evening.

[@muzzmacc6411]

It's unfortunate that you had to 'hoof it' back to the car. It looked like an absolutely gorgeous evening.