Dumyat
- Easy/Moderate 5km (3 miles) 218m (700ft)
This hill may be lower than it's eastern neighbor's in the Ochils, but
it's distinctive shape makes it a noticeable landmark overlooking the Forth
Valley. It is a popular walk for it's extensive views. You are strongly
advised to choose a clear day. A public road enables the car-borne to gain
height easily, before reaching the car park. The temptation to come of
the hill in a north-easterly direction and head towards a road and reservoir
for a roundabout return should be resisted as this is not on any right
of way. Keep your dog under strict control and on a lead - so not to disturb
the sheep. |
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Ben
Ledi - Hard 9.5km (6 miles) 750m (2450ft)
Ben Ledi presents a challenge to all but the habitual hillwalker. You should
be wearing proper boots, carrying spare clothing, waterproofs, food, a
compass and an additional map (OS 1;50 000 Sheet 57) Equally, because this
is a high level walk only attempt it in fine weather. There are dangerous
slopes to the East, particularly if late snow is still lying. To mitigate
the cautious note, the forestry commission have waymarked most of the route.
It is a splendid day out, with rewarding views in all directions, particularly
as Ben Ledi lies right on the edge of the Highlands, and is a conspicuous
landmark not just for browsers on the main street of Callender, but also
from many parts of the Eastern lowlands including the ramparts of Edinburgh
Castle. The first part of the assent climbs steeply through plantations
to gain the far southern edge of the eventual summit plateau, bypassing
the steep eastern face.From the summit the path leads down to the Bealach
nan Corp, the rather ghoulishly-named Pass of the Bodies. Nearby is Lochan
nan Corp, where a funeral party, crossing in the dead of winter once fell
through the ice. You then drop into the lovely but unfortunately named
Stank Glen and return through dense forest to the level reaches of an old
railway.
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Ben
An - Hard 3.5km (2 miles) 360m (1200ft)
Ben An is a prominent feature of the Trossachs area and despite its relatively
small size compared to many of the neighbouring peaks it still gives walkers
a very enjoyable and rewarding trek. The easiest place to park is in the
Forestry Commission car park near the West end of Loch Achray. The path
to Ben An starts directly opposite the car park and climbs very steeply
through a plantation of larch. Once through this there is a clearing from
which a view of the Dukes Road rewards the traveler after the steep first
stretch. The path then continues on up the side of the Allt Inneir burn.
Follow the path until it goes right again into the trees. This continues
on to a clearing below the summit where you can see the stream running
down the right side of the rocky peak. You should follow this stream until
the ground flattens again as you go behind the peak and then the path takes
you to the summit. The view that opens out before you is one of the best
in the area. Loch Katrine lies at your feet and during summer you can sometimes
see the 'Sir Walter Scott'-a steamship that takes tourists up and down
the length of the loch. Ben Venue rises on the other side and beyond you
can see the peaks of Ben Lomond and even the Cobbler in the distant Arrochars. |
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