This circular walk follows a forestry track across the Bochastle Hill and the lower slopes of Ben Ledi, with some excellent views. It then descends steeply to join the cycle route for the return, with the opportunity to detour to visit the powerful cascade of the Falls of Leny.
Summary
Forest tracks, steep path and cycle track - a strenuous walk for Grade 1. The detour to the Falls of Leny is rough and care is needed near the falls.
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1. The walk begins from the Bochastle forestry car park, which is signed from the A821 just west of Kilmahog. Follow the angled path that climbs up to join a forestry track and turn right along this. There are views back across the glen at first, and ahead to Ben Ledi, before the track climbs gently into the dark, dense plantations of sitka spruce. Further on the spruces are replaced by the more colourful larches.
2. After reaching its highest point the track reaches a felled area. The views from this next section are superb, both across the glen and down to the foaming river, but especially ahead to Loch Lubnaig, enclosed by rugged, steep hills.
3. Continue along the track until it crosses a footpath waymarked with blue marker posts. This is the usual ascent route for Ben Ledi; the path heading for the summit goes off to the left but to continue our route, turn right downhill into the trees. The descent is very steep in places but the path is wide and well-worn. It descends to reach the road at a bridge over the river. Don't cross but instead turn right, following a track into the Ben Ledi parking area. From here continue ahead onto the cycle path, with the foaming river on the left.
4. This section of the glen is clothed with very beautiful oakwoods whilst the river is named the Garbh Uisge (Rough Water) for good reason. The cycle path doesn't visit the Falls of Leny themselves, so to get a closer look turn left onto a rough path when the cycle path widens with a table-like bench. The path is rugged and slippery and great care is needed when approaching the falls themselves - you'll know you are in the right place as there is a walkway on the far side of the river. The Falls may not be high but the flow makes them very impressive, thunderingly so when in spate, as the river rushes around a giant central rock.
5. From here you can either return to continue on the cycle path, or alternatively follow the rough path as it continues downstream. If choosing the path, keep to the right and follow the higher option at a couple of forks. The oaks are interspersed with some beech trees as the walk continues along the glen, now well above the river. Eventually the path reaches a stream next to a bridge on the cycle path; from here it is best to head up and join the cycleway as the path beyond becomes very boggy. Continue straight ahead until the route reaches the road. Don't cross the road but instead turn right and follow a path alongside it. This path curves right and heads back into Rochastle car park and the start of the walk.
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