Ben Vane, Beinn Ime and Bealach a' Mhaim Loop

This is a big, serious mountain circuit in the Arrochar Alps, linking Ben Vane and Beinn Ime by way of rough, steep ground and the broad saddle of Bealach a’ Mhaim. At around 20 km / 12.4 miles with roughly 1,500 m / 4,920 ft of ascent, it fits its difficult rating well: expect a long day, sustained climbing, exposed mountain terrain, and sections where the line between peaks is much less obvious than the main ascent paths. Ben Vane is one of the steepest and rockiest hills in the group, while Beinn Ime, at 1,011 m / 3,317 ft, is the highest summit in the Arrochar Alps. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The usual start for this loop is near Inveruglas on the west shore of Loch Lomond, close to Inveruglas Visitor Centre and the Sloy Power Station. If you are converting a map point to a practical start location, that is the nearest well-known landmark and access point for Ben Vane. Inveruglas is on the A82 north of Tarbet, and the Ben Vane approach begins by following the private tarmac road beside the Inveruglas Water toward the Loch Sloy dam. (visorando.com)

By car, hikers generally use parking at or near Inveruglas Visitor Centre, G83 7DP, then walk south-west toward the hydro road and the Ben Vane path. By public transport, Inveruglas is served by bus on the A82, while the wider area is also accessible from Arrochar & Tarbet rail station, though that makes for a longer approach if you are not using a bus connection. Walkhighlands notes that both Arrochar and Inveruglas are served by bus, with rail at Tarbet. For planning the route itself, checking the line on HiiKER before setting out is sensible because the traverse between summits is more committing than the straightforward start suggests. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The climb to Ben Vane

The opening section is deceptively gentle. For about 2 km / 1.2 miles, the route follows the hydro road up the Inveruglas Water, gaining height gradually as Loch Lomond falls behind you. This is the easiest walking of the day and a useful warm-up before the mountain changes character abruptly. Near the point where the route leaves the road, the climb steepens sharply onto Ben Vane’s eastern ridge. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

From there, the ascent becomes relentless. Over the next few kilometres, you gain a large share of the day’s elevation on rough, rocky ground. Hands may be needed occasionally for balance, especially in wet or windy conditions, and the path can feel eroded and awkward underfoot. Ben Vane’s reputation for steepness is well deserved, and in poor visibility the descent line toward the bealach can be easy to misread. Clear weather makes a major difference here. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The summit of Ben Vane, 915 m / 3,002 ft, gives a dramatic first panorama: Loch Lomond to the east, the bulk of Ben Vorlich nearby, and the higher mass of Beinn Ime drawing the eye west and north-west. This is also where the seriousness of the loop becomes obvious. Continuing onward is much more committing than simply returning to Inveruglas the way you came. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Between the peaks

The traverse from Ben Vane toward Bealach a’ Mhaim is the crux of the outing for many hikers. The ground is rougher, less direct, and more tiring than the map may suggest. Walkhighlands specifically warns that continuing from Ben Vane toward Beinn Ime via the west ridge and Glas Bhealach is unremittingly tough going, and other route descriptions note that the onward line toward Beinn Ime is rougher and more pathless than the initial climb. In mist, this section demands careful navigation and good judgment. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Bealach a’ Mhaim is an important landmark in the Arrochar hills: a broad, three-sided saddle connecting ridges toward Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain, and the surrounding corries.