Ben Chonzie — “The Mossy Mountain” — is one of the best introductions to Munro bagging in Scotland. Well-maintained paths, gentle gradients, no scrambling, and views over Loch Turret and the Perthshire countryside that more than justify the effort. At just 90 minutes from Glasgow, it’s accessible enough for a spontaneous day out and forgiving enough for a first-timer to build confidence.
This was Munro number 11 for us, and one that we’d recommend to anyone looking for their first or second hill. The car park looks across to Balnacoul Castle, which looked incredibly impressive in the morning light — not a bad way to start a day.
Route Overview
- Ben Chonzie — Munro — The Mossy Mountain — 931m
- Total distance: 14km (out and back)
- Total ascent: 748m
- Total time: ~4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate — well-maintained paths, gentle gradients, no technical terrain
| Munro Name | Pronunciation | Translation | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Chonzie | Ben Honey | The Mossy Mountain | 931m |
The route starts from the car park at Coishavachan, north of Comrie. A well-maintained path leads past two farmhouses and up the south side of the mountain, following a fence line to the summit.
Getting There and Parking
Small free car park at Coishavachan on the minor road north of Comrie. Space for around 15 cars, no facilities. From Glasgow, it’s about 90 minutes. From Edinburgh, slightly less. From Perth, around 40 minutes.
Views from the car park at the start of Ben Chonzie, looking towards Balnacoul Castle
The Path — Car Park to the Summit
From the car park, a well-maintained path heads towards two farmhouses. At the farmhouses, take an immediate right through a gate to start the ascent.
The starting path heading through the two farmhouses
The path up is well-kept and provides a straightforward route up the south side of Ben Chonzie. There are a few loose stones but nothing technical. As you gain height, views back down the valley towards Balnacoul Castle and the surrounding hills open up.
Looking back down the valley towards Balnacoul Castle
The path continues until you reach a cairn, where you split left and follow a somewhat boggier path uphill. You’ll eventually reach the remains of a fence line — follow it north towards the summit. The fence turns at a 90-degree angle at one point; just keep following it.
Dog owners: grouse, sheep, and mountain hares are scattered along the path. Keep dogs on a lead after going through the gate near the farmhouses.
Ben Chonzie Summit — 931m
Views of Loch Turret and the surrounding valleys from Ben Chonzie
The summit itself is broad and mossy — true to its name. On a clear day, the views down towards Loch Turret and the surrounding valleys are excellent. Look out for mountain hares basking near the summit — they’re surprisingly common here and will let you get reasonably close before bounding off.
If you’re bringing photography gear, a wide-angle lens works beautifully for capturing the full sweep of the valley. The gentle summit terrain gives you time to set up shots without worrying about your footing.
The Descent
The return follows the same route back. The well-maintained path makes the descent easy on the knees and you can enjoy the valley views that open up as you drop back towards the farmhouses. Total time for the round trip is typically 4–5 hours.
When to Climb Ben Chonzie
Summer (May–September) is ideal — the paths are at their driest and the bog sections are manageable. Long days mean no rush.
Autumn (October–November) is excellent — golden colours and mountain hares turning white for winter.
Winter (December–March) is one of Ben Chonzie’s strengths. The gentle terrain and well-defined path make it one of the better winter Munros for those building winter skills. Crampons may be needed on the upper slopes in icy conditions, but the mountain is forgiving compared to steeper peaks.
Spring (March–April) can be boggy on the upper sections after snowmelt.
Combine With
Ben Chonzie stands alone geographically — there are no other Munros within easy walking distance. However, the Perthshire location makes it accessible alongside Schiehallion (about an hour’s drive north) or Ben Lawers (about 40 minutes north) for a multi-day trip.
Tips for This Route
- Follow the fence line in poor visibility. The old fence posts guide you to the summit when the clag rolls in.
- Waterproof boots for the upper bog. The lower path is well-drained but the upper section around the cairn gets boggy.
- This is a great winter starter Munro. Gentle terrain for practising crampons and winter walking without the exposure of steeper peaks.
- Dogs must be on leads. Grouse, sheep, and mountain hares are everywhere — keep dogs leashed.
- Photography tip: bring a telephoto for the mountain hares and a wide-angle for Loch Turret.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Chonzie good for beginners? One of the best beginner Munros in Scotland. Well-maintained paths, no scrambling, gentle gradients, and only 90 minutes from Glasgow. Along with Meall Bhuide and The Cairnwell Munros, it’s an ideal first Munro.
How long does Ben Chonzie take? Allow 4–5 hours round trip. The gentle gradient means you can move at whatever pace suits you.
Where do you park for Ben Chonzie? Small free car park at Coishavachan, north of Comrie (PH6 2JY). Space for around 15 cars.
Is Ben Chonzie suitable for dogs? The terrain is perfect for dogs — no scrambling, gentle slopes, well-maintained paths. Keep dogs on leads due to grouse, sheep, and mountain hares along the route.
