This is an uncomplicated but rewarding day out that showcases the greenery of the southern Highlands from both summit and sauna: journey from Ben Vorlich to Venachar Lochside Sauna.

Not to be confused with another Munro of the same name on Loch Lomond’s western banks, this Ben Vorlich is a straightforward hike that’s suitable for a first Munro. That said, the climb up never really relents and offers up a few false summits, but quickly delights with views of Loch Earn and panoramas of the Ben Lawers 7 from the summit. This peak can be paired with Stuc a’ Chroin, its neighbour to the south, but that requires a rockier and more technical approach.

DPS_A man and a woman in Venachar Lochside Sauna with a view of Loch Venachar and Ben Venue. Credit: Turnbulldouglas

Venachar Lochside Sauna with a view of Loch Venachar and Ben Venue. Credit: Turnbulldouglas

Ben Vorlich + Venachar Lochside Sauna: route description

Start/finish: Ardvorlich, Loch Earn (NN633232) | Map: OL46 The Trossachs | Distance: 9.8km / 6 miles | Ascent: 873m / 2,880ft | Duration: 3 – 5 hours | Difficulty: 3/5

1. NN633232: Park at Advorlich on the southern shore of Loch Earn, cross the bridge and take the road on the right. Go right at a fork to cross the burn, turn left between some cottages and Advorlich House, then join the obvious track that heads uphill and remains clear throughout.

2. NN630212: After 1.5km, keep right at a fork and cross a footbridge. At 3km, the path becomes a little rockier, but remains easy to follow and continues more or less straight uphill to the shoulder at around 850m.

Hikers heading towards Stuc a' Chroin from the summit of Ben Vorlich. Credit: Julia Clarke

Hikers heading towards Stuc a’ Chroin from the summit of Ben Vorlich. Credit: Julia Clarke

3. NN629189: A final short and steep push leads to a trig point on the narrow summit. Retrace your steps to descend, or continue W on the ridge path to climb Stùc a’ Chròin, a rockier peak to the south that requires some experience.

Admiring the view at Venachar Lochside Sauna. Credit: Turnbulldouglas

Walking the jetty at Venachar Lochside Sauna. Credit: Turnbulldouglas

THE WEE HEAT: Venachar Lochside Sauna

A leisurely half-hour drive leads to an afternoon of pampering at picturesque Venachar Lochside Sauna. Perched on the shores of Loch Venachar with clear views of Ben Venue, the heat here is powered by the national grid rather than burning wood. That makes for a cleaner experience and helps keep this sauna extremely toasty at a consistent 90°C, so you’ll be happy to trot down the jetty and dip in the loch.

For more summit-to-sauna Munro days, see Julia Clarke’s guide to the best in Scotland.