Hi UKCS! Again I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for my query but I was wondering if anyone has taken their dog(s) up Ben Lomond? If so does anyone have any tips on the route etc? Is it really difficult? Will my pampered pooches manage it? Are dogs even allowed there? We are planning our very first camping and hiking trip next month to Milarrochy Bay and hoping to hike up Ben Lomond - weather permitting of course We have 2 Border Collies Kim (5) and Ky (4 months) will they be OK?
Thanks in advance.
P.S. We did look at some campsites that were closer to Ben Lomond but liked the look and reviews of Milarrochy Bay and thought it would be a good place to start our West Highland Way training for next year
Ben Lomond is relatively easy, the dogs will manage it much easier than you will.
I am not sure if dogs are allowed on Ben Lomond, there are a few estates around here where the landowners do not allow dogs. Check with the site or with VisitScotland.
I think your main worry would be if the mist came down as it can descend rather rapidly in the Scottish hillside and mountains as any rescue worker will tell you. So you need to go well prepared and take their leads for added safety because if you did get lost and needed emergency rescue help you wouldn't want to risk any lives searching for your 2 lost dogs as well. Just a precaution really because time out of number you find that even experienced trekkers get caught out.
I'm guessing that with 2 beautiful collies you are well versed in how to handle them in terms of leads etc. Some ppl may be tempted to "shoot them on site though" according to a recent reply to one of my posts. Although i wouldn't worry to much about that as i'm sure if the farmers don't get them the adder's will. Only jk, having checked out the law and the adder's the chances of either are negligible. As long as you have them under control they will do better than you!
Quote: Originally posted by superstarbarman on 17/3/2011
Will my pampered pooches manage it? We have 2 Border Collies Kim (5) and Ky (4 months) will they be OK?
Thanks in advance.
I think it will be too much for your 4 month old pup. They have no stamina. Yes puppies have lots of energy, but it's quick bursts and then rest. For a puppy that age, 2 x 20 minute walks a day are more than enough and that's on flat ground.
I'm speaking from experience of Border Collie dogs (non working). Over excercise is just as bad as over eating, it will affect the joints.
Did you get a suitable tent that will house the dogs as well as yourselves?
Hey Road Hog (still not sure how to quote properly)
We're gonna go with the Vango Beta 450
Our eldest dog (kim) is a Collie Cross and is honestly the best dog I've ever had. We got her from Dog's Trust last summer and she is a gem. Ky (the pup) is actually from working stock. He came from a farm (not a mill) and both his parents were used on the farm for herding etc.
That being said I obviously don't wanna do anything that could injure him. It was just an idea to do the Ben if weather was nice... I've had a chance to think about it now and realize it's prob not the best idea yet. Will defo do it when my doggies (and me) are ready for it tho.
Thanks for everyones help and comments so far.
no way should you attempt this with a 4 month old pup , you will end up carrying it most of way , plus you could do serious damage to dogs muscles , give your local vet a ring , he will advise you on what can be achieved by a dog so young .
I used to hike some years ago with my 5 yr old very fit Border Collie and my Border Terrier Puppy. The Border Collie could walk all day but I took a bigger rucksack than needed and put the puppy in the top usually propped up on some old fleece jacket, she could could see all around her and would get out occasionally and do some walking. She just liked to be there and gradually walked further until able to walk as well as the Collie.
I do agree with most that its best to keep on a lead, dogs off the lead can wander off and there are loads of hazards amongst woodlands etc and dogs have been injured and even lost and never found.The scent of some wild animals can drive dogs crazy and no matter what you do or say if they are off the lead they will bolt....
Not trying to scare you , better to be safe and and respect wild life and you and your four legged friends will have a great time...
p.s.- don't forget plenty water for them..
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
I'd say go for it, but wait untill your border collie is much older, 4 months is far too young to deal with such a walk. Don't dismis what road-hog said about the amount of exercise your collie needs as said the bones are vulnerable to damage. My border collie is the same as yours, from working stock not show. The advice I was given was the same. When mine was young, I had to make him rest (as you know, they will go on forever)other wise he would be completely exhausted. I have realised with mine, even though he can go on forever, he doesnt need that x amount hours of walking to keep him fit, healthy and happy. The only thing is I do. He will be 6 yrs around July. He still has a mind of his own, very much a delinquent, when he wants to be, for him a lead would be necessary were sheep are concerned.
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Topic: Dogs on Ben Lomond
Are dogs even allowed there? We are planning our very first camping and hiking trip next month to Milarrochy Bay and hoping to hike up Ben Lomond - weather permitting of course 
