A date with Callander
Duncanrig Ramblers got lucky with the weather as they headed to Callander for two walks.
The high walk was to Ben Ledi. Members started at the northern end of the Pass of Leny and after crossing over the bridge above the Garbh Uisge River (translation Rough Water), they headed uphill for two-and-ahalf miles.
Due to the fact that most of the forest had been cut down, the group had great views over to Loch Lubnaig and across to Callander.
The route continued uphill on a broad ridge past a couple of false summits, the second grass-covered summit being Meall Odhar.
After a short climb they arrived at a rocky summit which is topped by an iron cross, erected as a memorial to Sergeant Harry Lawrie who was killed on duty with Killin Mountain Rescue team in 1987.
A short distance beyond is the cairn and trig point marking the actual summit of Ben Ledi (879 metres).
From the summit, the walkers headed towards the Lochan nan Corp. The loch – which means ‘Small Lake of the Corpses’ – received its name from the demise of a funeral party from Glen Finglas who, in the 15th or 16th century, were passing over the mountain to the churchyard of St Bride.
The funeral party had passed over the loch, imagining that the frozen surface was strong enough, but the ice gave way and they all perished.
After the lochan, the group started the descent down into Stank Glen, following paths and forest tracks on the south side of the Stank Burn and walked out to meet the coach at the bridge crossed at the start of the walk.
The alternate route started at Kilmahog and climbed uphill, passing Bochastle Hill. Walking on forest track above the Pass of Leny, the group had great views over to Loch Lubnaig and looking back into Callander.
From the top the group descended down towards Loch Lubnaig (translation Crooked Loch) and then followed the old Callander to Killin and Oban railway line which is now a cycle path.
Members followed the path of the old railway beyond Kilmahog and continued into Callander where the coach was waiting.
The walkers then enjoyed their social hour in Callander.
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