Ben Ledi and Ben Vane

Getting there

• On the A84, 3km west of Callander, a sign points west towards forestry log cabins and parking.
• Drive up the narrow road over the bridge to a junction, then turn left and find a space to park in.

Ben Ledi

• On foot, return to the junction and on the left, a sign marks the beginning of the recommended route up to Ben Ledi. A well constructed wide path twists and turns as it climbs up through the forest.
• Higher up the the trees are left behind and the views open up.
• Still climbing, the path starts to turn south-west following a burn with some waterfalls hidden from view.
• The path crosses the burn higher up and works its way below some crags, turns sharply north-west and onto the crest of Ben Ledi's south-east shoulder.
• Now on delightful terrain, the route continues towards Ben Ledi's summit with its trig point and large iron cross errected in memory of a member of the mountain rescue killed in service.

Ben Vane

• Beyond Ben Ledi's summit, the path follows a series of fence posts along the crest northwards over Mullach Buidhe and to a small cairn marking the top of the descent path heading down towards Loch Lubnaig.
• Continue northwards past the cairn, now on a much fainter path along the grassy crest.
• A lochan is passed and the minor summit of Bioran na Circe is reached (marked 722m on the OS Landranger map).
• As progress continues along a wide and pleasant unduating grassy crest, Stuc Dhubh (662m) is passed and Ben Vane gradually gets closer. The long wide col of Bealach na Sean Lairige is crossed and a wet path aside fence posts is followed up the gentle incline above Creag Chaorauinneach.
• The crest changes turns west then south-west aiming for Meall a'Choire Dhuibh , but if you are prepared to lose a little height, a direct ascent of Ben Vane can be easily made by slogging up thick grass heading west, then north-west. The summit cairn of Benvane is gained.

Return

• Return along the crest to the cairn marking the descent to Loch Lubnaig.
• The path in the coire is obvious and lower down is well-constructed. The path meets up with a track and follows this for a short distance before cutting directly downhill keeping to the south bank of Stank Burn.
• Now on a track, cross Stank Glen's burn and follow an excellent marked path heading into the forest. Fine downhill running can be enjoyed on the path as it twists and turns making a direct route for the log cabins below.
• Once down, a leisurely walk or run back along a flat road awaits for the return to the car-park.