Ben Ledi Walk, the Trossachs

Location

From Callander follow the A84 west in the Strathyre direction. The road swings north past the Falls of Leny, about one mile north of the falls car park there is another car park signposted to holiday lodges & a cycle route. Turn left across a narrow wooden bridge from the A84 then left into the car park where the path starts.

Route

From the car park walk back towards the wooden bridge. Follow the path on your left signposted Ben Ledi which climbs steeply up into the woods. You should cross a small wooden bridge after about 15 minutes walking. Within a few minutes you will emerge from the woods, cross a forestry road & follow the path marked by a green post upwards through the clearing. Once you have negotiated two sets of stone steps the path levels out climbing gently upwards for around 400 yards or so.

After about 40 minutes you will reach a small burn easily crossed via stepping stones followed by a stile beyond which you cab see a path climbing leftwards up towards the Ben Ledi ridge. Fortunately, although the stile is an obstacle for dogs it is easy even for large dogs to scamper under the fence a few yards to the right.

Continue up the distinct path towards the ridge. Eventually it turns northwards through a boggy area defined periodically by the posts of an old metal fence. The path eventually reaches dryer less eroded ground climbing upwards over the undulating ridge towards the summit of the Ben. The obelisk on one of the tops represents the highest point of the Hill. The reasonably fit should reach the summit in around 2 hrs

Ben Ledi is 879 metres (2884 feet) high so qualifies as a Corbett (over 2500 feet). In fact its ideal as a first Corbett for you & your dog to complete together.

If you are of an energetic disposition you can walk an extra mile or so north to a small lochan, Lochan nan Corp. If your dogs are anything like ours they may fancy a swim in a lochan over 2000 feet up. You can decend the mountain by retracing your steps or via circular route returning via Stank Glen & back along the shores of Loch Lubnaig

Approximate distance & time

Distance 4 miles. It should take around three hours & 40 minutes to walk the route.

Facilities

Food & drinks are available from the numerous shops & pubs in Callander.

Hazards

Keep your eyes open for sheep . We have only encountered them once in many trips to this hill but if your dog is inclined to chase then its best to be cautious.