Ben Ledi

Summary

Ben Ledi is a familiar landmark from Callander and probably the most promiment mountain in the Trossachs. It is a very popular hillwalk, and its position on the edge of the Highlands makes it an excellent viewpoint, with contrasting panoramas north and south.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

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

Deer Stalking information

Land to north-east of ridge: Forestry and Land Scotland. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Parking area over bridge from A84.

Public Transport

None to start. Nearest bus is the Trossachs Explorer which calls at Kilmahog, from which you can walk past the Falls of Leny for 2km to reach the start. .

Start Grid Ref

NN587091

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 770m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Ben Ledi

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Walk Description

User reports (101)

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 there are a few parking spaces, or turn left to reach the car park. 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 signed footpath heading up into the woods. The path becomes steep in places, and passes the Callander commemorative rove, planted to remember soldiers from the town lost in the first World War.

Stage 2

At a forst track, go straight across. The path continues to ascend, including some stone steps, giving good views back to Loch Lubnaig and over Callander towards the lowlands.

Stage 3

The path swings round to the left to climb towards the southern nose of Ben Ledi. 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 as the nose of the ridge is gained. The path now swings right to join and ascend the southeast ridge of the mountain.

Stage 4

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 5

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 6

For the Stank Glen descent continue along the ridge, first northwest and then briefly north before continuing northwest again from a prominent prow, where the ridge turns WNW. The ridge can be followed right down to the bealach; the path becomes less clear and there are a few boggy sections. 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 burn a clearer path descends into the Stank Glen, keeping to the right of the burn.

Stage 7

Continue down the path. A fence is reached just left of a broken gate - most people duck under the fence as there is only one strand of wire (the stile is long gone). The path now becomes clearer. After around 300m the main path leads down to cross the main burn via stepping stones - do not take this, instead turning right at an easily missed junction shortly before the burn is reached. Follow the path as it gently rises and falls, crossing several small burns and passing above a hydro scheme. Further on the path passes a barrier and joins a rough track - go straight ahead, continuing downhill. Descend steeply on an eroded path until another track is reached. Here head right for a very short distance and then turn left downhill into the forest, now following blue marker posts.

Stage 8

The path zig zags through the forest; there's an impressive waterfall but it's hidden by the trees. Eventually the path emerges at the corner of a track. Don't join the track, instead following the path that descends once more on the left. The path continues down and joins a track - keep ahead down this. It eventually reaches the main drive for the houses along Loch Lubnaig. Turn right here, but very soon pass through the fence on the left to join the tarmac lane nearer the river. Turn right along the lane and follow it all the way back to the car park.

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