Ben Chonzie

Overview

Ben Chonzie, or Ben-y-Hone as it is also known, is a beautiful shapeless lump of a hill.

At 3054ft/931m it is the highest point in a vast area of wild land between Loch Tay and Strathearn. In winter the hill catches a lot of snow and at any time of year the views from the summit are tremendous in every direction. To the north west the Ben Lawers range stands out proudly; in the north east the hills of Atholl; southwards to the dark ribbon of Loch Turret (almost 2000 ft below) and beyond to the Ochils and Lomond Hills.
Mountain hares can sometimes be seen bounding energetically around the broad heathery ridge, greatly assisted by their broad feet that act like snowshoes! Often called the blue hare, this animal changes its coat with the season and has a bluish tinge in spring and autumn. The white winter fur acts as a camouflage helping it to hide from predators such as golden eagles.
Ben Chonzie can be approached from a start point at Invergeldie, Glen Lednock, near Comrie or, for a more challenging and longer walk, try the ascent from Loch Turret, near Crieff.