Ben Ledi Circuit via the Stank Glen
Stirling
Ben Ledi is the Corbett rising north-west of Callander, above the southern end of Loch Lubnaig. Dogs get a good, well made path for most of the climb, with no water on the dry ridge, and a rougher, boggier stretch through the Stank Glen on the way down. This 10km circuit starts from Forestry and Land Scotland's car park across the bridge from the A84 and climbs a well made path, with stone steps, through regenerating birch woodland, looking back over Loch Lubnaig and Callander. It then swings onto the broad, grassy south-east ridge and passes two false summits before reaching an iron cross, a memorial to Sergeant Harry Lawrie of Killin Mountain Rescue Team, killed on duty in 1987, and the summit trig point. The view takes in Ben Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, Ben More, Stuc a'Chroin and Ben Lawers, and on a clear day the Wallace Monument. The return follows the ridge north-west before dropping into the Stank Glen on a rougher, boggier path through the forest. There is 760 metres of climbing, and simply retracing the ascent path is the easier option.
This dog friendly hill suits fit dogs used to a long climb. The forest paths at the start and on the Stank Glen descent give moderate off-lead potential, and burns in the glen offer water on the way down, though the ridge is dry. Keep your dog on a lead on the open hill during the spring nesting season and near any grazing stock. The car park is free but fills early on summer weekends.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.0 km (6.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 5 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Forest
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- No facilities at the car park; nearest public toilets, shops and cafes in Callander or Strathyre.
- Parking
- Free FLS Ben Ledi car park, over the bridge on the road signed for Strathyre Cabins off the A84; very busy on summer weekends.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Ben Ledi Circuit via the Stank Glen, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Birchbank Loch View Lodge
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £476 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in StirlingFrequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Ledi Circuit via the Stank Glen dog friendly?
Yes, for fit dogs, and it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The path is well made for most of the ascent, the forest at the start is shady and the Stank Glen has burns for a drink on the way down. The score reflects the long, steep climb, the dry, exposed ridge and the rough, boggy descent, which make it too much for small or elderly dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Ben Ledi Circuit via the Stank Glen?
There is moderate off-lead potential on the forest paths at the start and in the Stank Glen, where your dog is away from roads. On the open ridge, keep dogs on a lead during the spring and early summer nesting season and whenever grazing stock is in sight. The car park is busy, so use a lead there and on the bridge by the A84.
What should I know before visiting Ben Ledi Circuit via the Stank Glen with my dog?
Allow four to six hours for the circuit, or retrace the ascent path for an easier descent than the rough, boggy Stank Glen. Carry plenty of water for your dog, as there is none on the ridge. Forestry and Land Scotland warns that the free car park fills early on summer weekends. The nearest toilets and cafes are in Callander and Strathyre.
Visitor Reviews
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Ben Ledi Car Park, Strathyre Cabins road off the A84, Callander FK17 8HF
56.2538, -4.2815
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