Ben Ledi

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Summary

Ben Ledi is a familiar landmark from Callander and the highest mountain in the main part of the Trossachs. It is a very popular hillwalk and its position on the edge of the Highlands makes it an excellent viewpoint.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Well maintained hill path for the ascent, but rougher with some boggy sections on the descent. As with any mountain walk, hillwalking gear must be carried.

Public Transport

None to start (cycle path from Callander to start). In July and August the Trossachs Explorer bus service calls at Kilmahog, from which you can walk past the Falls of Leny for 2km to reach the start. .

Start

Parking area over bridge from A84. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 760m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN587091

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Ben Ledi

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Walk Description

User reports (93)

Stage 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. This is very popular and often full in high season so it is a good idea to arrive early. Begin the walk by returning to the junction next to the bridge and turn left onto a waymarked footpath into the woods - there is a waymarker post. The path climb continues and becomes steep in places; later it heads across over a forest track. Continue straight ahead through an area of regenerating birch trees. The well-made path continues to ascend, including some stone steps, giving good views back to Loch Lubnaig and across Callander into the lowlands.

Stage 2

The path swings round to the left to climb towards the southern nose of Ben Ledi, at one point descending briefly. Further on the views over Callander really begin to open up, with the Wallace Monument and perhaps even Stirling Castle visible, backed by the Pentlands on a good day, whilst Loch Venachar comes into view closer at hand when the ridge is gained. The path now swings right to join and ascend the southeast ridge of the mountain.

Stage 3

The ridge is broad and grassy, with an excellent path. It then begins to climb again, reaching the first of a couple of grassy false summits, each followed by a short descent. From the second false summit (Meall Odhar) the true, somewhat rockier summit comes into view at last, topped by an iron cross. The views to the left are magnificent, with Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps forming a grand skyline.

Stage 4

The cross was erected as a memorial to Sgt Harry Lawrie who was killed on duty with Killin Mountain Rescue team in 1987. A short distance beyond is the cairn and trig point marking the summit of Ben Ledi. As well as the mountains already mentioned, Ben More and Stùc a'Chròin are prominent, together with Ben Lawers. The easiest descent route from here is to retrace your steps; the alternative descent described here via the Stank Glen is rougher and requires more navigation.

Stage 5

For the Stank Glen descent continue along the ridge, first northwest and then briefly north before continuing northwest again from a prominent prow, following a line of fenceposts at first. The ridge can be followed right down to the bealach, or alternatively a wet path cuts off to the right slightly earlier (if taking this, ignore a path which forks off to the right and heads down beside the Coire na Fuaire stream as this is steeper - it is better to descend by the Bealach nan Corp stream). Note that if you reach little Lochan nan Corp then you have passed the bealach and need to retrace your steps about 300 metres; some walkers miss both the bealach and the lochan and end up getting into difficulties on the crags of Creag na h-Iolaire - so take care not to miss the descent. Once close to the stream a clear path descends into the Stank Glen, keeping to the right of the stream.

Stage 6

Continue down the path, crossing a stile just to the left of a gate in a fence. The path now becomes very well constructed After a while, the main path bears left and crosses the large stream – ignore the path to your right shortly before this. Cross the bridge and continue down to reach a t-junction with a blue waymarked path. Turn right here and follow the path round the side of the glen. When the path reaches a track continue straight across past the wooden barriers and then descend more steeply until another track is reached. Here head right for a very short distance and then turn left downhill into the forest following the blue marker posts.

Stage 7

The path zig zags through the trees and passes a viewing area for an impressive waterfall. Eventually the path emerges at the corner of a track. Here there is the option of a short detour to another viewing area, although the view is not as good as the higher waterfall, return to the track if making this detour. Head downhill on the track following the blue marker post. Soon the track swings back to the left. At the next corner ignore the path to the left and stay on the track. This eventually passes a building on the left and reaches the main drive for the houses along Loch Lubnaig. Turn right here and very soon pass through the fence on the left to join the track nearer the river. Turn right along the track and follow it all the way back to the car park.

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