Ben Ledi & Stank Glen loop — Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Embark on a challenging 5.8-mile (9.4 km) hike around the Ben Ledi & Stank Glen loop, a difficult route that climbs 2348 feet (716 metres) and typically takes around 3 hours and 54 minutes to complete. This trail offers diverse terrain, from rough tracks and steep mountain paths to boggy sections, all while providing expansive views over Loch Lubnaig, Loch Venachar, and the wider Trossachs landscape. From the summit of Ben Ledi, you can see across the Forth Valley and towards distant peaks like Ben More on a clear day.

Prepare for a strenuous experience requiring good fitness and sure-footedness, especially on the steep and scrabbly sections with loose rock and gravel, particularly during the descent through Stank Glen. Navigation can be tricky in Stank Glen, so make sure you have a map to stay on track. The path to the Ben Ledi summit is generally well-maintained, but the glen descent is rougher and narrower.

Ben Ledi, the highest peak in the Trossachs, holds historical significance, having been featured in Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake." Near its summit, you will find a memorial cross dedicated to Sgt Harry Lawrie. Stank Glen, despite its name, is celebrated for its scenic beauty, featuring attractive natural landscapes and the wonderful cascades of the Stank Burn Waterfall. Keep an eye out for various birds like chaffinches and wrens, and enjoy the delightful wooded slopes, especially vibrant in autumn.