There aren’t many holiday cottages where you can walk out the door and be on a Munro path within minutes. At Invergeldie, you can. Ben Chonzie, one of Scotland’s most accessible 3,000-foot peaks, is most commonly climbed starting from the car park right on the estate. And if you fancy a second hill, Ben Vorlich above Loch Earn is a short drive away and just as beginner-friendly.
Ben Chonzie: the Munro on the doorstep
Quick facts
- Height: 931m (3,054ft)
- Distance: Around 8 miles / 12.5km return
- Time: 4 to 5 hours at a comfortable pace, faster for experienced walkers
- Difficulty: Moderate. Often ranked among the easiest Munros in Scotland
- Start point: The car park at Coishavachan, right on the Invergeldie estate
Ben Chonzie has a reputation among hillwalkers as one of the less dramatic Munros, and it’s true that the summit is broad and rounded rather than a dramatic peak. What that means in practice is a very manageable route: a clear track leads north from the car park, past Coishavachan farm, crossing the Invergeldie Burn a couple of times before climbing steadily through heather moorland to the summit.
It’s a genuinely good choice for a first Munro. The path is easy to follow, the ascent is gradual rather than punishing, and on a clear day the views stretch to the Ben Lawers range in the north and down over Loch Turret towards Crieff in the south. Keep an eye out along the ridge for mountain hares, which the hill is well known for.
Expect some boggy sections, particularly on the moorland stretch, so waterproof boots are worth the effort even in summer.
Ben Vorlich: a beginner-friendly second Munro
Quick facts
- Height: 985m (3,232ft)
- Distance: Around 6 to 7 miles return
- Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a well-maintained path throughout
- Start point: Informal roadside parking near Ardvorlich House, on the south side of Loch Earn (about 25 minutes’ drive from Invergeldie)
Not to be confused with the other Ben Vorlich near Loch Lomond, this one has a well-earned reputation as one of Scotland’s best Munros for first-timers. The path climbs steadily alongside the Ardvorlich Burn, passing Ardvorlich House before the terrain steepens towards the ridge. Stronger walkers sometimes continue on to the neighbouring peak, Stuc a’Chroin, though that adds a fair amount of time and difficulty to the day.
Parking is informal and limited, so on good weather days it’s worth setting off early. There are no facilities at the start point, with the nearest toilets in Lochearnhead.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier, Ben Chonzie or Ben Vorlich? Both are considered good beginner Munros, but Ben Chonzie has a slightly lower elevation gain and a very clear track for almost the entire route, which tends to make it feel more straightforward.
Can I climb Ben Chonzie directly from Invergeldie? Yes. The most popular starting point for Ben Chonzie is the car park at Coishavachan, on the Invergeldie estate itself.
Do I need any special equipment? Good waterproof boots are essential on both routes, and in winter conditions crampons and an ice axe are recommended for Ben Chonzie’s upper stretch. As with any Munro, carry a map and check the weather forecast before setting off, since conditions can change quickly.
How long should I allow for either walk? Plan for 4 to 5 hours return on either hill, plus extra time if you’re new to hillwalking or plan to linger at the summit.
Two Munros, one base
Whether it’s your first Munro or your fiftieth, having Ben Chonzie start at the end of the drive, and Ben Vorlich only a short journey beyond that, makes Invergeldie a genuinely practical base for a walking-focused stay. Boots on, kettle off, straight up the hill.