Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

The Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve encompasses nine mountains within the southern slopes of the Ben Lawers and Tarmachan ranges in Scotland. The mountain ranges stretch for nine miles and seven of the mountains are Munros – mountains more than 3,000 feet high. Ben Lawers itself is Scotland’s tenth highest Munro and the highest in the Scottish highlands, standing nearly 4,000 feet about Loch Tay. Inaddition to the mountains, the nature reserve is known for its arctic-alpine flora, including many rare and endangered species and more than 500 types of lichen. Visitors can also spot wildlife such as red deer, ravens, black grouse and ptarmigan.
One popular route through the nature reserve is the circular Edramucky Trail that goes around the lower slopes, while another, more challenging route heads up to the tops of Beinn Galas and Ben Lawers.  Great views are possible, of Ben Lomond and Glencoe to the west and Cairngorms to the north. Guided walks are available during the summer months and the best time to see alpine plants and colorful wildflowers is between June and August.

Practical Info

The Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is open daily all year round. It is not accessible by coaches; infrequent buses can take you as far as Killin, but none go to the reserve itself. The nearest train stations are at Crianlarich, Pitlochry and Stirling.