Your Guide to Climbing Ben Ledi

If you’ve ever stayed with us here at Leny Estate, you will have noticed the mountain that makes up most of the landscape that surrounds the estate. This is Ben Ledi, standing at 879 metres, it’s the tallest mountain in this part of the Trossachs. It’s a popular climb for both amateur and experienced hikers alike, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Loch Lubnaig – on a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, and even across to the Pentland Hills in the East. There are many reasons why climbing Ben Ledi is a must-do activity if you’re in the Callander area, so here’s our complete guide to climbing this majestic mountain.

Getting There
Ben Ledi is located close to our little town of Callander, it is around 1.5 hours’ drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and only a 5-minute drive from us here at Leny Estate. There is a car park at the foot of the mountain, but it is not very big so arriving early is a good idea to get a parking space, especially in the peak summer months. There is also the Trossachs Explorer Bus which stops in Kilmahog in July and August, then you would have to walk 2km to the car park from there.

The Climb
The hike begins on a well-marked path that gently climbs into a densely forested area. As you reach the woods, the path begins to steepen, and you will cross a few small streams. Even though the path gets slightly steeper here, it’s still relatively easy and offers a good warm up for the ascent ahead.

Soon, the trees will begin to disappear, and you will reach the open hillside where the stunning views start to open up. From here, you will be able to see Loch Lubnaig and the town of Callander below. The path here becomes rockier, but it is still manageable and well-maintained. This is where the real climb begins, and the path becomes even more steep as it winds around the side of the mountain towards the final push to the summit.

The final push to the summit is the steepest part of the climb, but thankfully, you will get to enjoy a flat walk along the ridge first before the rugged and rocky ascent to the top. There may be some very mild scrambling but nothing too technical and very manageable for amateur hikers in good general fitness. As you near the top, you will start to feel the reward as the views across the Scottish Highlands start to surround you. If the weather is on your side, you’ll be able to see Ben Lomond to the west and another one of the beautiful lochs in the area, Loch Katrine. The summit is marked with both a trig point and a summit cairn, both of which make for great photo opportunities to remember your achievement. There is also a cross erected on the summit as a memorial to Sgt Harry Lawrie who died on duty with Killin Mountain Rescue in 1987. On a good day, you’ll want to stay at the summit, take some time to rest, have some snacks and admire the scenery. Ben Ledi may not be one of the mighty Scottish Munros, but its height is still substantial and completing the climb deserves a celebration.

To descend, you can follow the same path for a direct path down to the car park. However, if you want to continue your hike, you can head further along the ridge and descend into the Stank Glen which will add another hour or two onto your day out. All in all, following the easiest descent route, you can return to the car park in around 2-3 hours from setting off, depending on your pace.

What to Bring
As with all mountains in Scotland, there are no facilities on the trail, so it’s important to pack water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and fuelled for the hike ahead. Appropriate clothing such as sturdy footwear for the rocky path and waterproof clothing for the unpredictable Scottish weather is also recommended. The weather on the mountains can change very quickly, and while it might be sunny at the car park, it can easily be very windy and raining towards the summit. While not an essential as there is such a clear and well-maintained path, it’s also helpful to bring a map or a compass in case of low visibility or foggy conditions.

Our Final Tips
We recommend starting your hike early, in the summer this will help you avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures, and in winter, it will ensure that you finish your hike before it starts to get dark in the evenings. Always check the weather before you set off. The Scottish weather is very unpredictable and if the weather at the car park is bad, considering postponing the hike as chances are, it will be worse the higher you climb! Finally, always respect the environment and stick to the paths, don’t disturb the wildlife, and take your litter home.

So, whether you’re a solo hiker or walking with your family or friends, consider Ben Ledi as your next outdoor adventure. It offers an unforgettable experience, combining physical challenge with Scotland’s stunning landscapes, the day out will be hard to beat! When you’ve finished your hike, you’ll need somewhere to rest your tired legs. At Leny Estate, we have luxury self-catering accommodation types suitable for most groups, and our Leny Lodge is pet-friendly if your pooch has joined you on the hike! Contact us today and one of our friendly team will be delighted to help you plan your next staycation in the Scottish countryside.