This circuit starts by following one of the routes up Ben Ledi, stopping high in the picturesque Stank Glen before returning down the other side of the glen, passing a waterfall on the way. The route is well waymarked and follows a well surfaced path with some steep sections. There are good views over Loch Lubnaig and the surrounding hills.
Summary
Good, waymarked forest paths and tracks; steep steps in places
Terrain
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1. Turn off the A84, following the sign for Strathyre Forest Cabins, to cross the Garbh Uisge to the south of Loch Lubnaig; on the far side of the bridge turn left to reach the parking area. The car park is used by walkers climbing Ben Ledi and is often full in high season, so it is best to arrive as early as you can. Begin the walk by returning to the junction by the bridge; head straight across following the sign for 'Strathyre Forest cabins'. The lane runs close to a stately section of the river and has good views; follow it for a little over a kilometre.
2. A sign for 'Ben Ledi' indicates where to turn left and join a track that gradually diverges from the lane; from here the route is waymarked with red marker posts. At the fork keep left and follow the track as it curves left to climb gently through the larch and pine trees. Ignore a path to the left at the first corner. At the next corner there is a short path down to a viewing area, although the waterfall later in the walk is better. If taking this detour return to the track. At this corner turn off to the right heading uphill through the trees following the red marker post. After a few minutes there is a clear view of a impressive high waterfall. Continue up the zig-zag path until a track is reached.
3. Turn right and then left for a short dog leg onto the path which now climbs steeply and is clearly marked. The path now crosses an area of cleared forestry where there are good views up the glen. Continue on the good path as it crosses straight across another track and curves around the left side of the glen. The path crosses three small streams which are all very easy to cross without getting wet feet.
4. At the head of the glen a junction is reached where the path to Ben Ledi heads off to the left. Keep right to start heading back down the far side of the glen. The path becomes a track and then reaches a t-junction; turn left here to continue the very gradual descent. The track swings left round a corner to reach a junction.
5. The correct continuation from here to to go sharp right (still following the orange waymarkers) but it is worth making a short detour ahead first for a beautiful view of Loch Lubnaig. The view back to Ben Ledi, its summit defended by low crags and pinnacles on this side, is also impressive. The track slopes downhill; look out for another orange waymarker post that indicates where a path goes off to the left. Turn down this path which descends steeply with some stone steps.
6. At one point there is a viewing platform on the right which gives another view of the waterfall seen earlier, this time from the opposite side. Continue downhill through the birchwoods, eventually joining a track which leads to the left. This reaches the floor of the glen via the back of the impressive Strathyre Cabins - a holiday park run by the Forestry Commission. When the track reaches the main lane up the glen turn right. The lane passes the front of the park and has a lovely outlook over Loch Lubnaig. Continue straight ahead and follow the lane all the way back to the start.
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