Ben Ledi Hike, Trossachs Guide
Located within the coronary heart of the Trossachs Nationwide Park, the Ben Ledi Stroll affords a charming outside journey for each seasoned hikers and nature fans alike. This well-liked path showcases the pure fantastic thing about the Scottish wilderness, taking guests by means of enchanting woodland, up rugged slopes, and in the end rewarding them with gorgeous panoramic views from the summit. With its well-maintained paths and accessible start line, Ben Ledi supplies a really perfect alternative to immerse oneself within the picturesque landscapes of the Trossachs.
Mountaineering and strolling in Scotland is extra spectacular than I gave it credit score for. After 6 years of dwelling in BC in Canada the place I’d spend my weekends mountain climbing within the stunning coastal mountain vary, I’d forgotten how good it could possibly be in Scotland.
Scotland is residence to some actually stunning hills and mountains and amongst them is Ben Ledi.
Ben Ledi is a Corbett that rises over Callander and Loch Lubnaig. My husband and I did the Ben Ledi stroll from Strathyre on a wonderful day in early Spring, and we have been blown away by the gorgeous views from the highest.
Standing at 879 m tall (2884 ft), Ben Ledi is one in every of Scotland’s many Corbetts – a Scottish mountain over 2000ft (609m).
Though not as well-known as among the greater Munros (a Munro top should be at the very least 3000 ft, 941 m) corresponding to Ben Nevis, Ben Ledi is a spectacular hill that’s effectively definitely worth the climb.
The trail to the highest of Ben Ledi is well-maintained and was upgraded by the Forestry Fee. It now contains lots of steps to minimise path erosion which makes it simpler to stroll up in some methods (however tougher in case you hate steps, I suppose!).
The Ben Ledi path winds its approach up by means of a brief part of woodland earlier than popping out to stunning views which you’ll get to get pleasure from for the remainder of the way in which. It’s an easy-to-follow path, so that you gained’t want navigation abilities for this hike, however having a map downloaded on AllTrails, or the OSMap both paper or in your telephone, will assist.
The identify “Ben Ledi” is Gaelic and means “hill of the slope.” The identify completely describes the summit, which has a delicate slope that leads as much as the height.
Up to now, the identify has additionally been taken to imply “hill of god,” and there’s a cross on the summit of Ben however it is a memorial to Sergeant Harry Laurie of the Killin Scottish Mountain Rescue workforce, who died in a helicopter crash in 1987.
Ben Ledi has additionally been a spot for Beltane celebrations, with locals utilizing the summit to get as near heaven as attainable! Right this moment, mountain climbing up Ben Ledi on Could Day and the Summer time Solstice remains to be a well-liked exercise.
Need to hike one other munro? Take a look at this information to mountain climbing Stuc a Chroin close by.
When you’re trying to do the Ben Ledi stroll, I’ve included all the things you’ll have to know for a protected hike within the Trossachs. From learn how to get to the trailhead, what to anticipate and learn how to pack for the Ben Ledi stroll.
Learn how to get to the trailhead for Ben Ledi
To get to the Ben Ledi trailhead, make your approach first to Callander and from there it’s a brief drive to the trailhead.
The trailhead is by Strathyre Cabins simply off the A84. To get there, head south out of Callander on the A84 for round 3.2 miles, then flip left onto a small highway once you see the Strathyre cabin signpost.
Cross over the bridge and there’s a small Ben Ledi automotive park virtually instantly in entrance of you. If that is full, you too can park down the single-track lane which is in your left as you cross over the bridge.
What to know earlier than doing the Ben Ledi stroll
Along with checking the Ben Ledi climate, you have to at all times abide by the next:
- At all times observe depart no hint ethics and pack out something you are taking with you.
- Follow pre-existing trails to keep away from eroding the panorama
- At all times pack layers and waterproofs – that is Scotland in spite of everything!
- Inform somebody the place you’re going and once you anticipate to be again.
- Be sure you stroll along with your 10 necessities.
I additionally extremely advocate selecting up your sandwich for the height from Mhor Bread & Store. We visited this nice cafe and bakery a number of instances throughout our month’s keep in Doune as half of our yr of journey and all of the sandwiches have been so scrumptious. Extremely advocate the salmon one and the meat with crispy onions!
Ben Ledi coffee, additionally in Callander, is nice for a cup of espresso earlier than your stroll too.
OS Maps are superior for mountain climbing within the UK. I’ve by no means discovered something fairly like them when in different international locations. They’ve all options like church buildings, rivers, peaks, viewpoints and extra. You will get paper maps (that are nice for locating new locations), and their app is tremendous helpful too.
Mountaineering the Ben Ledi path
Mountaineering the Corbett Ben Ledi is effectively definitely worth the climb with gorgeous views not solely on the peak however for many of your stroll.
To begin the stroll, head again to the small automotive park by the bridge (in case you needed to park additional away) and search for the signal which takes you uphill.
The trail could be a bit rocky in locations and begins off pretty steep from the get-go.
After about 0.6 km you’ll come out to a highway which is a part of the Ben Ledi foothills path, or one other method to entry this hike. Cross over the highway and proceed to observe the trail because it goes uphill.
You’ll get some nice views on this part of the Loch Lubnaig behind you, in addition to the ridges and the height of Ben Ledi forward.
The trail begins to swing round to the left and climbs in direction of the southern finish of Ben Ledi, many of the path at this level is tough steps and there’s an ever-so-slight descent at one level earlier than you begin to climb once more
When you’re mountain climbing on a transparent day, you possibly can even see all the way in which out to Stirling and the Wallace Monument! briefly descending at one level.
As you acquire top on this ridge, you be capable of see Loch Venachar earlier than following the trail to your proper as you begin to ascend a sequence of mini summits (or false peaks if you wish to take a look at them that approach!).
After every false summit, there’s a small descent earlier than you begin climbing once more. From the second false summit, Meall Odhar you’ll lastly be capable of see the precise summit of Ben Ledi.
Close to the summit of Ben Ledi is an iron cross which is a memorial to Sgt Harry Lawrie, who was killed on obligation with the Killin Mountain Rescue workforce in 1987. The true summit is a brief distance away marked by a cairn and trig level.
Up right here you get superb views of Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.
In search of a terrific simple hike in Scotland? Take a look at the Ben A’an hike within the Trossachs!
Although we couldn’t fairly see Ben Nevis, as we might from the highest of Ben Lomond, you can also make out Ben Lomond, Ben Vorlich and different peaks within the Trossachs.
You’ll be able to both observe your steps again all the way down to the automotive park or take the choice route by means of Stank Glen.
Descent by means of Stank Glen
When you’re on the lookout for an alternate descent route from Ben Ledi, the Stank Glen descent is an possibility, though it’s rougher and requires extra navigation.
You can use this AllTrails route to follow the trail if you have AllTrails+.
To start the descent, proceed alongside the ridge of Ben Ledi, making your method to the furthest level of the summit from the place you got here from.
The ridge follows a line of fenceposts at first after which goes proper all the way down to the bealach (a slim mountain go).
Be aware that in case you attain little Lochan nan Corp, then you could have handed the bealach and have to retrace your steps about 300 metres. Lacking the descent can put you by the crags of Creag na h-Iolaire that are steep and harmful, so take care to not miss it!
As soon as near the stream, a transparent path descends into the Stank Glen, maintaining to the fitting of the stream.
Proceed down the trail, crossing a stile simply to the left of a gate in a fence.
After some time, the principle path goes to the left and crosses a bigger stream. Cross the bridge and proceed down to succeed in a t-junction, flip proper right here and observe the trail across the facet of the glen.
While you attain a observe, proceed straight throughout previous the picket boundaries after which descend extra steeply till one other observe is reached.
Right here, head proper for a really brief distance, after which flip left downhill into the forest, following the blue marker posts.
The trail zig-zags by means of the timber and passes a viewing space for a waterfall.
Ultimately, the trail emerges on the nook of a observe from the place you must go downhill following the blue marker posts and staying on the observe.
Quickly you’ll go a constructing on the left and attain the principle drive for the homes alongside Loch Lubnaig.
Flip proper right here and go by means of the fence on the left to affix a path alongside the river.
Make one other proper and observe the observe till you attain the automotive park.
Stats for strolling Ben Ledi
Ben Ledi out and again (return by way of the route you stroll up)
- Distance: 7.7 km
- Elevation: 750 m
- Length: 2- 4 hours
- Issue: average – strenuous
Ben Ledi round (return by way of Stank Glen)
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 750 m
- Length: 3-5 hours
- Issue: Strenuous
**All stats are tough guides and shouldn’t be taken to the metre**
What to pack for Ben Ledi Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re mountain climbing in.
- Take a look at my day hike packing record right here.
- When you’re mountain climbing in summer season you must pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to all the things within the 10 necessities for mountain climbing record.
- Right here is what to put on mountain climbing in sizzling climate
- Take a look at this put up on the perfect leggings for mountain climbing or what to put on mountain climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- When you’re mountain climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there’s lots of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
- You also needs to take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally mandatory in addition to a good backpack to maintain all the things in.
- You also needs to pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for mountain climbing!
- Planning a mountain climbing date? Take a look at what to put on on a mountain climbing date however nonetheless look cool.
Closing ideas on the Ben Ledi Stroll
The Ben Ledi stroll is without doubt one of the greatest walks within the Trossachs that’s typically overshadowed by among the bigger peaks and Munros like Ben Lomond and Ben Vorlich. It’s an effective way with superb views for a lot of the way in which and is usually a simple path to observe.
You too can flip it right into a loop path by following the tougher descent by means of Stank Glen.
FAQs about doing the Ben Ledi hike
The place is Ben Ledi?
Ben Ledi is in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs nationwide park in Scotland, UK. It’s about 10 minutes north of Callander.
Is Ben Ledi a Munro?
Not fairly! Ben Ledi is simply shy of being a Munro and counts as a Corbett.
The place to park for Ben Ledi?
There’s parking accessible on the turn-off for the Strathyre cabins, about 10 minutes exterior of Callander.
Is Ben Ledi a troublesome climb?
Whereas not notably troublesome, the hike to Ben Ledi is usually uphill and requires an honest stage of health.
Is Ben Ledi simple?
Ben Ledi is extra of a average stroll for many hikers.
How laborious is Ben Ledi to climb?
Ben Ledi is a reasonably troublesome climb. Although many of the approach is steep, with few flat sections, it’s not notably tough or uncovered terrain, neither is it tremendous steep or notably far.
How lengthy does Ben Ledi take?
Relying on the route taken, strolling Ben Ledi takes between 2-5 hours. Take a look at this Ben Ledi mountain climbing information for extra info.
Final Up to date on June 2, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah began That Adventurer after graduating again in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to metropolis breaks in Europe, a 3 month highway journey throughout the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years dwelling in Canada, you’ll discover posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in lively journey and on That Adventurer you’ll discover mountain climbing, strolling, biking, snowboarding and all types of lively journey guides to mean you can see a vacation spot in an adventurous approach.
Now again in Europe, you’ll discover new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the subsequent yr ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and locations in between.
The Ben Ledi Stroll in The Trossachs affords breathtaking views and a difficult trek for outside fans. The information supplies important info for hikers, from the really useful path to important gear and security precautions. With its gorgeous landscapes and numerous wildlife, Ben Ledi is a must-visit vacation spot for nature lovers.
