Panoramic views from stunning Ben Ledi

Another outing with the good folk of the KOIR ramblers to a hill that was highlighted in my diary as soon as I saw the list of walks at the beginning of the season. Another central belt classic, Ben Ledi, just outside of Callander. Ben Ledi is the highest hill in the Trossachs, this is a Corbett classification with a height of 879m (2884 ft).
The forecast was excellent but doubts were evident in our car as we cut off the A9 heading towards Callander where we met low lying mist. It started to lift as we started our walk thank goodness. We opted to walk against the norm heading anti clockwise which I think leads to a better gradient for the ascent, predominantly through a typical scenic highland glen.

Ben Ledi

Turning right from the car park follow the track past some cottages with a view of the hill on your left. After a short distance of gentle ascent follow the Ben Ledi sign which soon reaches the tree line.

The ascent is now in place as you climb through the trees before soon breaking out into more open countryside and the are known as Stank Glen. We had fears that this might be wet and boggy but considering the recent weather was actually quite good.

As you enter the glen you are constantly looking around the amphitheatre trying to spot the wildlife but no deer to be seen. A bird glides along the skyline, is it a buzzard or an eagle. Its flight looks more eagle like to me but too far away to be sure.

Ben Vane

The path on this grassy slope continues meandering upwards, good height being made and before you know we crest the ridge at the Bealach nan Corp where the summit of Ben Avon along with Stuc Dhubh can be clearly seen to our right. The views are tremendous and about to get even better. Despite the blue skies and the earlier welcome warmth, the wind has picked up strength and it is decidedly cooler now blowing from the north.

Summit in sight

But we go the opposite way and take the faint path to the left where a fairly broad ridge leads us towards the summit, the remains of an iron fence would help navigation in poor weather.

Lubnaig below

Before the final pull there is a ridge, Coire na Fuaire, with fabulous views down to Loch Lubnaig, don’t go too close to the edge it’s a long way down.
Then all that is left is the final short ascent to the trig point. 

No visit to this top should be without spending time at the famous cross dedicated to police Sgt Harry Lawrie, a mountain rescue team member who died during a rescue on Ben More, and also reflecting on why there is a need for these heroes, don’t just snap the cross and walk on bye.

Time for lunch and take in the breathtaking views, Corserine’s views on Sunday were superb but this takes it to another level and the reason to hill walk. The air clarity gives great distance. 

What can you see, well too much to go into. In no particular direction there are so many lochs to view including Katrine, Venachar, Finglas & Lubnaig and many more.  In the distance the Lawers range, turn slightly Ben Lomond. Another turn the Campsies, then the Ochils. Close by Stuc a Chroin & Ben Vorlich. The Wallace monument and behind the Pentlands. Another turn the Fife Lomond’s and so many others far and wide, quite outstanding and quite memorable.

Our descent is down the excellent tourist path, slightly steeper than the other side, different views but still plenty to keep you interested. A whooshing noise makes me look around a paraglider is doing some tight loops, I hope he is enjoying himself, I am too much of a feartie for that sport.
We are taking our time, in no rush but soon reach the crossing point back to the car park. However, we decide to extend the walk and follow the track south before dropping down and following the cycle track back beside the river. An extension of about 4 miles.

An outstanding hill on a great day with views to die for. This is a day to stick in the memory for sure. Sadly the photos do not do the reality justice but my memory will.
A very tasty fish supper, eaten in good company, sat beside the River Teith in Callander, on a glorious evening made a perfect end to a perfect day. Many more days like this to come, I hope.