Ben Vorlich

Ben Vorlich lies on the shores of Loch Earn close to the Highland boundary, the dividing line between the central Highlands and the Lowlands.

This steep sided, shapely hill of 3,232 ft (985 m) offers excellent views into the Lowlands  and to the north and west. The mountain name derives from the Gaelic Mur-Bhalg which means `sea-bay` and describes the small bays in the loch beneath.

Near Ardvorlich House, at the  foot of the hill, look out for a small gravestone at the roadside, this is where the bodies of seven MacDonalds of Glencoe were interred. These victims were killed by the people of Ardvorlich in retaliation for an earlier bloody raid by the MacDonald clan. The grave was rediscovered in the 19th century and a stone was erected to commemorate the ghastly event. A reminder that life was not always peaceful on the shores of Loch Earn.

Stuc a Chroin (peak of danger) is another high mountain, connected to Ben Vorlich by a deep bealach or col. Ascent of this peak is steep and much of the ground is rocky and broken - definitely not for the inexperienced. Those that make it to the summit, on a clear day, will be rewarded with views south to Stirling Castle and even Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh.