Ben Ledi, Stank Glen circuit

[iainR]

With the weather forecast not looking great for late afternoon and a pair of new boots to break in i wanted a reasonably straightforward hill circuit which didn't involve a slog therefore Ben Ledi sprung to mind.
As i drove into Callander and looked up at Ben Ledi i noticed the upper slopes were still covered in morning clag which didn't appear to be moving. Arriving at the main walkers carpark just after 9am i found it still mostly vacant with no-one around in fact i didn't pass anyone until i reached the southern ridge of the hill.
My last ascent of Ben Ledi was just over a year ago and back then i'd noticed a newly constructed path which completely bypassed the old eroded one which had been damaged by landslips beneath the crags. Further up on the ridge this new path continued over the bogs making the ascent of the hill from this route completely bog free, a new experience for me !

Looking back towards Loch Lubnaig

Ascending the southern ridge

On reaching the small rise beneath the final route to the summit i noticed the temperature had dropped quite a bit and the clag had receded but still clung to the top so there would be no views today.
The summit itself was deserted and with nothing to look at i quickly made my way down the northern ridge towards Bealach nan Corp occasionally getting a glimpse of the steep drop into Stank Glen.

Final push to the summit

Memorial cross

Summit of Ben Ledi

Looking down to Stank Glen

The new boots made easy work of the wet and narrow stoney path followed by the wet grass and bogs enroute to the top of the glen and soon i gained the gravel path which leads down the length of Stank Glen and into the forestry.
The track down through the trees passed over areas of recent clear fell but efforts had been made to keep the path intact and it can still be easily followed all the way down to the access road at Loch Lubnaig.

Entering Stank Glen

Recent clear fell at the foot of Stank Glen

Waterfall near the end of the path

On returning to the carpark i found it full to capacity and had to wait to get out, what a difference 3 hours here makes !