Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Callander
Leny Estate is perfectly situated in the picturesque countryside of Callander, a small tourist town set within The Trossachs National Park near Stirling. Callander is often described as being a “gateway to the Highlands” and boasts a rich history and heritage dating back to the Neolithic and Iron Ages and has a strong connection to the Roman Empire. Its strong historical background is just one of the reasons why Callander is such a popular tourist town in Scotland, but another reason why visitors from all over the world flock to Callander is due to its many stunning walking and hiking trails. From short climbs suitable for beginners to more challenging hikes for seasoned pros, Callander has something for everyone, and they are all on our doorstep here at Leny Estate! In this blog, we will introduce you to some of the best hiking trails in and around Callander.
Ben Ledi
Ben Ledi (Image: Visit Scotland / Stuart Brunton)
Ben Ledi is a very popular climb through the rugged beauty of the Trossachs, offering panoramic views of Loch Lubnaig and the surrounding hills and mountains. This hike will take you through woodlands, heather-covered slopes, and rocky paths and is well-marked and maintained but can be very steep in sections. As you climb this Corbett, you will reach a height of 760m and cover 6.25 miles (10km) on the ascent and descent. Hiking Ben Ledi is recommended for moderately experienced hikers.
Ben A’an
Hikers on Ben A’an (Image: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam)
Situated slightly outside of Callander, Ben A’an offers a short but very steep climb that is suitable for beginner hikers. Despite its modest height of 340m, Ben A’an promises to be a rewarding hike as you traverse extremely rocky sections and even have to do a little bit of scrambling towards the summit! At the summit, the unbelievable views of Loch Katrine and the surrounding landscapes unfold, offering the perfect photo opportunity before you make the short descent back down to the car park.
Loch Katrine Circuit
Rob Roy Island on Loch Katrine (Image: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam)
This is a longer hiking trail that circles around the beautiful Loch Katrine which lies at the heart of The Trossachs. This route winds its way along the loch’s shores, passing through varying terrain including woodlands, open moors, reaching an elevation of 382m and covering over almost 11km. This route is considered to be a moderately challenging route but the stunning scenery that surrounds you as you walk will make it more than worth it!
Ben Venue
Looking towards Ben Venue from Loch Achray (Image: Visit Scotland / Paul Tomkins)
Ben Venue is a mountain that is described as being small in stature but offers a large amount of character as you climb! It’s visible from the shores of Loch Achray, Loch Venacher, and Loch Katrine and offers amazing views of all three of these from the summit. Getting to the summit is a challenging hike, covering some boggy ground, rocky paths, and some scrambling towards the top too. Covering 8.75 miles (14km) and ascending to a height of 725m, Ben Venue is a hike that is sure to be an unforgettable adventure for moderately experienced climbers.
Bracklinn Falls
Bracklinn Falls (Image: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam)
The hike to the Bracklinn Falls is a great easy-moderate walk through some stunning woodland with views over the mighty falls and the steep gorge below. This walk allows you to enjoy some great views of Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi and some of the mountains north of the Highland Boundary Fault. It is a relatively short walk at 3 ½ miles (5.3km) and should take most walkers around two hours to complete. While we do recommend this walk to beginner hikers, it is also important to remember that the path can become slippery when the weather is wet and does contain some loose stones and rocks!
Before embarking on any hike (particularly in Scotland!), it is important to check weather conditions, trail conditions, and ensure that you have the proper equipment and supplies that are necessary to complete the hike safely. Additionally, always follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of the hiking areas.
Leny Estate is situated just a short drive away from each of these hiking trails, so we can provide the perfect place to rest your feet and recharge after a long day of exploring the countryside of Callander. Contact us today if you are planning a hiking trip in the area and we will be happy to help you plan your perfect stay in Callander!
