Probably the best known landmark on the southern edge of the Highlands, visible from many lowland spots. This gives credence to the idea the name comes from the Brittonic llumon or Gaelic laom meaning 'a beacon' or 'blaze or light', giving the hill an ancient telecommunications function. Its shape and detached position make it visible from large areas, and thus an ideal height on which to place warning fires to transmit their signal. Its commanding position and commensurate views have nowadays made it a great favourite of Glaswegians who claim it as their own. The mountain's profile amply illustrates why this mountain has illuminated many a walker's vision to seek further mountains to conquer. A much favoured view of the early pioneers was that from Ben Arthur (The Cobbler), looking across the isthmus between Loch Long and Loch Lomond. A much less-used route up is the Ptarmigan Ridge, the tourist path is for a Sunday stroll. The loch used to be called by the name Loch Leven...it still drains into the Clyde through the River Leven.
Mountain name, how to say it, what it means | its height | Mountain region; closest town(s) [may be some distance away tho!] | the view-points
Ben Lomond has several personalities, depending on the view-point. From The Cobbler and Firkin Point it is a huge hump back, from Lomond Shores outlet at Balloch you can imagine it as a broadsword with the point facing directly toward you, whereas the view from Duck Bay in late afternoon light shows all the rugged bumps and hollows as the shadows cast around the hill.
These links lead to the variety of walks, weather and maps to aid in planning your adventure to portray this hill.
McNeish "The Munros" 1999 p.15 | SMC Hillwalkers 2013 p.8 | Walkhighlands "The Munros" 2019 p.18 | Bothy Bible 2017 p.227 + p.215