August 2017
When he arrived with me, Ledi's name was Genghis. Jedburgh Genghis, to be precise. One look at that little face and I knew something needed to be done. A bit of research suggested names of two-syllables that ended in an 'i / ee' sound were ideal and Ben Ledi is the closest mountain to me. Done.
Right, on with the mountain.
I reckon you get the best views of The Trossachs from smaller hills – like Ben Gullipen and Ben A’an – but if you’re after a bit more of a physical challenge that isn’t going to finish you off, Ben Ledi is a very decent Corbett.
There’s not a great deal more to say about the climb, other than it took us four and a half hours to get up and down – but we’re not very fit, so I'm sure you could do it in less time! It’s about 2.2 miles uphill and, while there’s a path, you really do need decent walking boots.
Looking across the south end of Loch Lubnaig
Little rest
Made it! The cairn was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee
Looking east
Looking west over Glen Finglas reservoir, with Loch Katrine beyond
And heading back down...
LOCATION INFO
Getting there: From Stirling, head for Callendar on the A84, carry on straight through the town, past the Woollen Mill and then a couple of miles further on you’ll see a brown sign for a turning left to Strathyre Forest Cabins. Go over the bridge and the start of the path up the mountain is ahead of you. Turn left for plenty of parking spots.
Sat Nav: FK17 8HF (the nearest postcode, although it will try to take you a bit further along the A84!)
OS Landranger map: 57 STIRLING & THE TROSSACHS
Terrain: Stony/rocky paths – wear decent walking boots
Nearest facilities: Mhor Bread tearoom in Callander for a snack or Venachar Lochside for a fancier meal. (Sadly, hounds not allowed.)
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