Monday, June 28, 2010

Ben Ledi Sat 26th

My first outing to Ben Ledi, starting from the access road to the Strathyre Forest Cabins. Take the signposted path into the forest to start the climb up Ben Ledi, from the summit head along the northern ridge and follow the fenceline path to Ben Vane, returning the same way to the Beallach between the two mountains where a path leads through Stank Glen back to the side of Loch Lubnaig for a short jog back to the start. 12 miles and 4500' of ascent.

From the access road to Strathyre Forest Cabins a sign posted path winds its way up through the forest, the views open up as you head towards cliffs protecting Ben Ledi's eastern side. The path levels off and swings south to avoid the cliffs where it picks up the ridge towards the summit. A good mixture of run, wheeze and then walk.

Navigation easy on the climb on a well worn path. Very warm today but views curtailed by a gloomy haze. From Ben Ledi to Ben Vane you follow a ridgline path undulating from North to Northeast over a couple of minor tops and past a few small Lochans. You could take a more direct route but that would involve a bit of heather bashing and a lot more up and down.

The return route follows the same ridge to the low point of the Bealach just before the climb back up Ben Ledi here a good path leads down open hillside into Stank Glen then winds its way down towards the river on forest paths. Finished with an easy 3/4 mile jog along the road and a cool down in the river.

Took me just over 3 1/2 hours, nice run and I'll go back on a clear day. A few pictures here.

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