Stank Glen

Summary

This route begins by Loch Lubnaig, soon climing up the south side of the attractive forested Stank Glen. The upper reaches have picturesque regenerating native woodland, before the route returns down the far side of the glen to reach a chalet park and cafe. There are good views over Loch Lubnaig and the surrounding hills.

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Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Forest paths and tracks; steep, rough, stony and eroded in places.

Getting there

Start

Parking area over bridge from A84.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN587091

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 298m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (12)

WARNING

Diversion in place on the higher, non-waymarked, Stank Glen hillpath loop due to a section of forest road being washed out - follow signs.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

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 immediately 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 (where there are a few more parking places); go straight on, following the sign for 'Strathyre Forest cabins' along a tarmac lane. The lane runs close to a stately section of the river and has good views; follow it for a little over a kilometre.

Stage 2

Turn left beside a gate - blue waymarkers - to join a track that gradually diverges from the lane. When the track forks keep left and follow the track uphill through larches and pines. At a sharp corner where the track swings left leave it to join a path ahead. This soon curves left and climbs uphill parallel to the Stank Burn, with glimpses of waterfalls through the trees. It rejoins the track at another sharp bend - immediately turn off again to keep to a path heading up above the burn. Continue up the zig-zag path until the track is again reached.

Stage 3

Turn right here. You can shortcut the upper part of the walk by keeping ahead on the track (blue markers), but for our route turn left between the wooden barriers onto a path that climbs steeply - it is stony and eroded - for a while before the gradient eases. Keep straight ahead when the path crosses another track (the bridge to the right here is washed out, but isn't used on this route). The path now curves right around the upper part of the glen, passing through beautiful regenerating native woodland and crossing several small burns.

Stage 4

At the head of the glen a junction is reached where the path to/from Ben Ledi heads off to the left. Keep right to start heading back down the far side of the glen, heading through a boggy section and path and then crossing a burn on stepping stones. The route crosses another smaller burn before the path becomes a track. At a junction with the other side of the washed out track keep left rising very gently for a time before continuing the gradual descent. The track swings left round a corner to reach a junction.

Stage 5

Turn right here. The view to Ben Ledi, its summit defended by low crags and pinnacles on this side, is impressive. The track slopes downhill; look out for a signpost ('cabins') that indicates where a path goes off to the left. Turn down this path which descends steeply with some stone steps.

Stage 6

At one point a path goes off to the right but the view of the waterfall from it is now completely obscured by trees so just continue down the main path. Eventually join a track by a hydro power plant. Turn left along the track, reaching the floor of the glen via the back of the Strathyre Cabins - a holiday park run by Forest & Land Scotland. When the track reaches the main lane up the glen turn right. The lane passes the front of the park - with a cafe open to the public - and has a lovely outlook over Loch Lubnaig. Continue straight ahead and follow the lane - part of the Rob Roy Way - all the way back to the start.

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