Adding to the attraction is the lovely sweeping ridge that links Ben Lawers to its near neighbours, including Beinn Ghlas – another Munro, at 3,619ft – which is climbed on this route.

On a more practical note, starting well above 1,000ft means that although you are going up the tenth-highest Munro, the uphill part is reduced. Rewards are quick – once you have pulled yourself up a steep zigzagging path to the ridge of Beinn Ghlas, the laborious toil is over.

The ridge (narrow near the top but not so narrow as to make you feel unsafe) leads up to the right, high above Coire a' Chonnaidh, and over a few false summits to the top. The summit cairn is a little small for such a high point, and the reason lies straight ahead. Ben Lawers dominates, and although Beinn Ghlas is a Munro, most are happy to rush on down the ridge to climb the highest point around.

Take care as you descend to a bealach, as there are steep drops to the left, then begin the final uphill of the day, to the trig point on Ben Lawers. A cairn built by the Victorians aimed to put the mountain above 4,000ft but the plan failed when the construction fell down. The view indicator here is going the same way. Nevertheless, the views are stunning. As well as far-off peaks, you get to see along the rest of the ridge – to walk it requires about twice as much time and effort.

Returning to the bealach, there is a path going off to the right, which skirts around Beinn Ghlas and makes the descent easier. After passing below the sheer-sided Meall Corranaich, Loch Tay comes back into view, with the visitor centre nestled above it. To the right stands Ben More, another iconic mountain – waiting for another day.

Although the walk is relatively short in time and distance, you are on extremely high ground and should be fully equipped for a day in the mountains. Take extra care in high winds and low cloud because of the proximity of sheer drops.

Distance 61/2 miles.
Height climbed 2,790ft.
Time 41/2 to 51/2 hours.
Map OS Landranger 51.

Park

From the centre of Killin, take the A827 for about five miles east, along Loch Tay, and turn left at a brown sign for the Ben Lawers visitor centre. The car park is a couple of miles up the single-track road, on the right.

In summary

Leave the car park via a path starting at the visitor centre, go through a gate and on to the start of a nature trail. Go through a set of gates in a deer fence and, just after, go left at a fork, following a sign for Ben Lawers.

The obvious path bears right, over the Burn of Edramucky, then right again and through another gate in a deer fence. Climb up to a fork just before a cluster of boulders and bear right to follow a zigzag path up the side of Beinn Ghlas. The path bears left on to the ridge and then swings right to reach the summit. Continue straight on, down to a bealach below Ben Lawers. Follow the path up the other side to the summit and trig point.

Retrace your steps to the bealach and take a path on the right, which contours round Beinn Ghlas and brings you back down to the cluster of boulders passed near the start. Turn right here to retrace your steps to the car park.

Refreshments

There is nothing at the visitor centre, but there are plenty of places dotted along the road by Loch Tay. Killin has a surprisingly wide choice for its relatively small size.

While you are in the area

At the eastern end of Loch Tay stands the Fortingall yew. Dating back thousands of years, it is said to be the oldest living thing in Europe. Otherwise, head to Killin and the Breadalbane Folklore Centre (01567 820254, www.breadalbanefolklorecentre.com), to learn about the history of the area. It is in a beautiful spot next to the Falls of Dochart.