Ben Vorlich
Perthshire Ben Vorlich, on the shores of Loch Earn (not be confused with the Ben Vorlich near Loch Lomond) sits close to the dividing line between the Central Highlands and the Lowlands. It is a steep sided, shapely hill of 3232ft/985m offering great views 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. A good track from Ardvorlich House (on the south side of the loch) follows the tree lined Vorlich burn and then strikes out onto the open hill. Before starting the walk look out for a small gravestone at the roadside near where are `interred the bodies of seven MacDonalds of Glencoe`. 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 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.
Contact
Crieff Tourist Information Centre
Ben Vorlich
by Loch Earn
Perthshire
PH7
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1764) 652578
Fax: +44 (1764) 655422
E-Mail: criefftic@perthshire.co.uk
WWW: http://www.perthshire.co.uk
