Blizzard Blast on Ben Ledi

[Chris Mac]

Ben-Ledi.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Having failed to get out on the hills since the start of December due to other commitments or awful weather, not to mention it sometimes being trickier to motivate yourself to go out during bad conditions on your own, Iain and I decided it was time to change that and team up again to head for the hills!

We began planning on the Monday and I watched the forecast like a hawk every day, it started bad everywhere on Saturday but towards the end of the week it looked like Callander would be the best option and that would be perfect for me as I had my eye on making Ben Ledi Corbett number 10 to finally get into double figures.

Iain had climbed it before, in winter conditions, doing a quick up and down via the same route, he wasn't even aware there was a circular option until I said we could see about including Benvane depending on conditions before finishing the loop!

Routes and maps had been prepped in advance and my bag packed the night before, we were prepared for full on winter conditions as it looked like it would be a bit minging until roughly midday then would clear up... aye right!

I picked up Iain in the morning and we headed to get a hearty double breakfast roll and supplies at the shops en route and before we knew it we had made excellent progress flying up the M8, M80 and M9 to Callander. Absolutely no hills were visible the entire way, not even Stirling Castle but to our surprise on the approach to Callander Ben Ledi was partially visible and surrounded by mist and clouds, you big tease Ledi! It whet then appetite and we were raring to go!

We parked up next to 3 girls from Edinburgh who were gearing up and said they were going to anti-clockwise route so we expected to pass them later on and said cheerio as we set off just after them to go the clockwise route, straight up Ledi first, then down the route they would be taking to the top via Stank Glen.

We set off just before 10am, plenty of time to do Ben Ledi even in snow. We'd see how the going was before deciding if Benvane was worth adding, it would add an extra 2 and a half hours to the walk but in snow that means at least an extra half hour or more on top of that.

From the car park we headed along the road, turned left and set off up the path:
20180203_100133 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It wasn't very clear early doors...
20180203_100352 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

20180203_100907 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It didn't take long to reach the forestry track and already we were out of the mist and experiencing a mini cloud inversion:
20180203_101024 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The good path helped us make good progress despite both of us not being out on the hills for a while:
20180203_101658 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back to the east:
20180203_101702 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It didn't take long for the path to become snow covered but we still bounded up, chatting away about allsorts and just happy to be out again, regardless of conditions:
20180203_102059 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We passed a couple who were sorting out ski's and said hi, then continued on as I quipped that they were all sorted for a speedy descent from where they were walking too.

Creag Ghorn on Ben Ledi's east side towers above and we were loving the quiet and serence snowy atmosphere already:
20180203_102157 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We passed a couple of guys from the east coast with their two dogs and blethered for a bit about the hill and weather further up, the wee dog had an attitude (surprise surprise) and didn't fancy any attention but the labrador was very friendly and even urged me to clap it some more while I was talking! Then Iain tried to clap the wee one and was met with a growl, comedy!

20180203_102711 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The ascent was a mix of steeper bits of path, steps and a few small level bits, all good going. Creag Ghorn again looming above us:
20180203_102730 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back towards Loch Lubnaig and over to Beinn Each, covered in clouds, which I told Iain was another good Corbett well worth climbing and i'd probably end up doing it again with him as I still have Stuc a'Chroin to bag, having done the two hills either side and left that still to do in the middle!
20180203_103001 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We crossed the snow covered burn and continued up the final stone stepped path towards the shoulder of Ben Ledi, enjoying the silence and stillness, there wasn't a hint of wind:
20180203_103417 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back to Strathyre again:
20180203_103651 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view east:
20180203_104354 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We expected some ice but the path was fine as we approached the shoulder:
20180203_104401 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

On the approach the view opened up to the south and the Campsies looked grand with Dumgoyne standing out to the right:
20180203_104946 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I pointed out meikle Bin and Earl's Seat, Iain's been to pre-occupied with the bigger hills over the years and hasn't climbed any Campsie Fells yet, I recommended them especially for the views north from them.

At the shoulder we turned right and continued up the path, with some deeper sections of snow slowing progress slightly:
20180203_105711 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view south west opened up and I pointed out the Kilpatrick Hills but it looked like Arran was cloud covered:
20180203_105726 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As we continued up the hills to the west also came into view some more, nice!
20180203_110035 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Progress was still pretty good despite a few knee dunks into deep snow as we veered slightly off the path which was visible most of the time:
20180203_110038 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Panorama south and west:
20180203_110059 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Path visible at present and the summit way up ahead, conditions were still looking good and the forecast suggested it would clear up, hopefully by the time we reached the summit!
20180203_110529 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We passed a few deep footholes created by an unfortunate trailblazer or two:
20180203_110751 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Getting there now, we kept up the good pace only having a few smaller water breaks and stopping to take photos every now and again:
20180203_111021 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I had my good camera in the bag but was happy just using my phone due to it being waterproof, by now some light snow was falling. We reached the top of the second last lump before the slight dip and final summit ascent:
20180203_111218 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view west kept improving with a snowy Ben Venue and Arrochar Alps now visible:
20180203_111221 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The other Strathyre and the Loch Earn hills were still covered in clouds to the north east:
20180203_111224 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We were thoroughly enjoying being back out on the hills and the conversation was still in full flow as we looked up to the final section:
20180203_111235 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

the path was getting a bit trickier to follow now and the snow a bit deeper, we then noticed a speck getting closer and descending from the summit:
20180203_111547 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Conditions were deteriorating and the snow coming on stronger now, the descending walker approached and we had a good chat, he'd gone up and was returning back down again the same way, he said it wasn't that good on the ascent but he had reached the summit and the clouds parted to give him so cracking views. We said we were doing the loop towards Stank Glen and may include Benvane if possible, wished him well and set off again, hoping that we would be as lucky as he was...

It wasn't looking that way though and it was getting chillier so we donned a bit more protective facegear, gloves and hats as we continued upwards:
20180203_111641 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As you can see the snow was getting heavier and I decided to put my waterproof overtrousers on for extra protection from the snow and cold, on a steep slope which made it a bit awkward but Iain grabbed a hold of me to ensure some support as it can be tricky putting on the waterproofs over your boots while balancing on one leg on a snowy slope!
20180203_112125 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Luckily the previous walkers had created useful foot steps in the snow which we followed to aid the steeper final section:
20180203_112144 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The fence posts we passed gave a good indication of the conditions:
20180203_112325 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Nature's own snow art:
20180203_112335 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The final section held a surprise dip which we were about to reach and the wind was picking up now too as we became more exposed, no more peaceful winter wonderland now and it was about to get worse...
20180203_112810 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back down the way we came and the view was almost gone now:
20180203_112814 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Approcahing the dip:
20180203_113403 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The chances of a summit view looking minimal now...
20180203_113411 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We could just make out the memorial cross which meant we were almost at the top:
20180203_113508 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Just one last descent before the final climb:
20180203_113929 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

This part was trickier as despite the other walker having just came down this way we couldn't make out the path or even any footsteps to guide us, luckily my pre-planned route kept us on track but the snow here was very deep so we had to do a final snow scarmble up towards the cross:
20180203_113935 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Made it:
20180203_114138 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Unsurprisingly there was ice clinging to the cross too:
20180203_114216 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Time for a quick pose from Iain, well wrapped up!
20180203_114230 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The trig point was now visible up ahead, albeit now in full on blizzard conditions!
20180203_114301 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain took a video of me approaching Corbett number 10 as I excitedly bounded up through the strong wind and snow to finally get into double figures on the Corbetts, i'll maybe update this report later and add it so you can see how wild it was!

Ben Ledi, number 10! And what a way to do it!!
20180203_114448 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain's turn:
20180203_114512 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Cross and trig point:
20180203_114820(0) by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We took a few shots and due to the conditions, unsurprisingly decided to pass on having our lunch here as there was absolutely no shelter!
20180203_114920 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It also didn't look like it would clear any time soon, curses, nothing for it but to continue on and we decided that we'd have lunch further down once the blizzard passed and we were out of the worst of it:
20180203_114935 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

So we set off along the Mullach Buidhe ridge towards the Bealach nan Corp, keeping a close eye on the GPS route to ensure we stayed safe and didn't wander off a ledge. Luckily the frozen fence posts act as a handy guide when doing this section:
20180203_115931 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Visibility was good enough but we were still cautious:
20180203_120038 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It only takes a few moments for good visibility to vanish!
20180203_120123 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

20180203_120128 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We knew Benvane was in the distance but due to the deep snow and poor visibility mid-blizzard, along with this being our first walk of the year and Iain's hill fitness not being quite up to scratch, we were already thinking of just sticking with the one Corbett for today!
20180203_120147 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Onwards we went:
20180203_120255 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Approaching Gualainn Bhudhe as we descend towards Bealach nan Corp, Benvane slightly more visible now but still looking like it wouldn't be worth the extra effort today:
20180203_120259 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Frozen fence posts again:
20180203_120332 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

20180203_120349 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I don't normally take selfies but switched to selfie mode on my phone by mistake and laughed at the arctic explorer look so thought I would take the shot anyway:
20180203_120849 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now at Gualainn Bhudhe:
20180203_120853 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Just over the top as we went down the final section I decided to try a "wee man" and crouched down, managing to slide a fair bit which was brilliant as I think I had been a kid the last time I had done so!

We were now out of the blizzard and peaceful conditions had returned, no wind or snow and Benvane now more visible but Iain's suggestion that we skip our sandwich lunch and just wait to have pub grub in Callander settled our minds and we decided to turn right and head into Stank Glen to walk back out and call it a day at one snowy Corbett:
20180203_121013 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Light snow started again but it was still so silent and we commented that we thought we would have met the Edinburgh girls by now if they were coming this way, strangely they were nowhere to be seen so we wondered if they had given up:
20180203_121020 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking east, visibility improving again but snow still falling:
20180203_121023 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A look back at the way down from the summit:
20180203_121026 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The local raven gave a loud caw and we respectfully said hello:
20180203_121221 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now turning into the Stank Glen descent:
20180203_121436 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

20180203_121440 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The combination of GPS route and finally seeing snowy footprints again made it easy to find the way down:
20180203_122428 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We still had to be careful though as there were a few frozen burns to cross and walk beside:
20180203_122431 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

By this point, on the descent and reflecting on the arctic conditions of a good Scottish mountain climb in winter, we were totally buzzing and still blethering away, making plans for future walks and wondering where to go to for lunch!
20180203_122439 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Conditions improved with every step on the way down as the gear slowly started getting bagged, hats and gloves removed:
20180203_122603 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Soon time to leave the snow:
20180203_123940 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As we approached the fence and stile a lone sheep didn't see us approaching at first and when it did see us, decided to scarper only to reveal that it looked to have escaped a shearing session! Poor thing, i've never seen one so hacket looking!
20180203_124043 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now at the stile and gate:
20180203_124119 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back up towards Ledi, we were glowing with satisfaction at what we had just conquered, even though Iain had already climbed Ben Ledi in winter, he was also loving the experience of being alive that this sort of trip provides:
20180203_124337 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Over the fence and down we go:
20180203_124401 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Onto the clear path now, with the only tough choice being which route to head down:
20180203_124732 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We opted for the path to the right and on the way up was a group of, we assumed scouts, as leaders front and back led boys up the way we had just walked:
20180203_125434 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Passing the small dam, we saw a glove on the ground and hoped that the scout kids or leaders had some spares:
20180203_130151 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now at the path and forestry track junction looking back
20180203_130318 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ice puddle:
20180203_130353 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Using a combination of pre-planned route and keeping an eye out for the path down beside the Stank Burn we opted for the quick descent option down towards Loch Lubnaig:
20180203_131307 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

20180203_132215 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We made fast progress, being careful again as the rocks and fallen trees were quite slippy, soon reaching the waterfalls:
20180203_132255 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Just down from there is an ancient moss covered bridge which Iain investigated as I texted the other half to confirm that I was still alive, standard operating procedure.
20180203_132516 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The going was good for the last section, turning right at the end of this track to head back along the final straight:
20180203_132930 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We stayed on the track instead of going along the Rob Roy Way:
20180203_133409 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reached the car in just under 4 hours, pretty good going for a first walk of the year and having dealt with a summit blizzard! While unpacking we were surprised to see the Edinburgh girls finishing just after us, they had taken a different route up than our descent route so we somehow missed them but they had also enjoyed the walk immensely and we blethered a bit more about the hill and plans for future walks.

Off we went and I drove into Callander where we stopped to get a final photo of Ben Ledi, of course now clear, before heading to the Riverside Inn for a hearty and very well earned lunchtime feast:
20180203_141600 DSC_9856 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A few fisherman were at the river at when I enquired to the guy next to me when taking these photos if the fish were biting today he said "Aye, just not for me!"

Ben Ledi, Corbett number 10 and what a cracking mountain! I'm looking forward to taking Y here during the summer as she'll easily be able to do it and I am owed some views from the top the next time...
20180203_141600 DSC_9862 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The drive back to our homes on the flanks of Corse Hill south of Glasgow went rapidly and we already can't wait for the next outing, there are going to be a lot more of them and even if it's in conditions like this, I can't wait...!

[ancancha]

Nice one
I did the same route and have fond memories

[Chris Mac]

Nice one
I did the same route and have fond memories

Thanks it's a great route and I was delighted to finally climb it as i've had my eye on Ben Ledi for years now, making it number 10 felt justified and in those conditions it made us work for it but it was one of the most satisfying days on the hills we've had, thoroughly enjoyable!

I'm already looking forward to returning during summer and adding Benvane to the walk, Ledi is a popular hill though so i'll have to get there early if we do, or just walk it from Callander or one of the other route options to mix it up a bit.

The photos don't quite convey the conditions at the top so hopefully Iain can upload the videos to his blog or I can add them here later, it was wild up there!!

[Sgurr]

Could feel it getting cold with you. The sheep looks a bad case of scrapie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrapie Nice report.

[Mal Grey]

Nice one.

I had the slightest chance of doing this very hill on Saturday too, being in Fife for a party that night. I looked at the rain outside and the forecast and volunteered to help set up the hall for the party instead...wrong decision I think!

[Chris Mac]

Could feel it getting cold with you. The sheep looks a bad case of scrapie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrapie Nice report.

Thanks Sgurr, wait until you see the video! Thanks for the link and info, looks like a nasty condition for the poor wee sheep.

Nice one.

I had the slightest chance of doing this very hill on Saturday too, being in Fife for a party that night. I looked at the rain outside and the forecast and volunteered to help set up the hall for the party instead...wrong decision I think!

Cheers Mal, unlucky it would have been ncie to bump into someone on WH, still haven't met many others on here while on the hills. We were so desperate to get out again we didn't care what the weather was like on the way there. Ben Ledi cleared up for our arrival though and it was still with no wind for most of the ascent and descent, just a little crazy when it came to the summit!

[iainwatson]

great report
was a good walk and enjoyed the route,certainly was wild on the summit

i think the wander down to get a pic of the bridge was worth it

looking forward to many more hill days this year Chris

Here is the link to the summit approach video

[larry groo]

Great report.. very descriptive.

Heading down that way in a few weeks. Have this one on the list.

[EmmaKTunskeen]

Could feel it getting cold with you. The sheep looks a bad case of scrapie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrapie Nice report.

Possible sheep scab?... http://www.nadis.org.uk/bulletins/sheep-scab.aspx

[Sgurr]

Could feel it getting cold with you. The sheep looks a bad case of scrapie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrapie Nice report.

Possible sheep scab?... http://www.nadis.org.uk/bulletins/sheep-scab.aspx

Both horrid diseases, but scrapie possibly worse? Am not a vet, so have no idea which it might be. I hate seeing it, as I do all too often.Don't know if farmers welcome it being reported, as it looks as if you are criticising them, and they may know all about it already and be treating the animal.

[Andymac75]

Enjoyed that .
Looks like a tiring day.walking on the snow fairly burns up the energy levels.
That sheep is hardy. I'm not sure what it's condition is (possibly scab,yes) ,but it's done well to last the winter.
But it doesn't look totally doomed .The Blackface are tough cookies