Ben Ledi from Glen Finglas Reservoir

This difficult outing takes you onto the quieter western side of Ben Ledi, approaching from the Glen Finglas Reservoir side near Brig o’ Turk, Callander, Stirling, with the most practical trail access usually from the Dam Road car park just before Glen Finglas Reservoir Dam or the larger Lendrick Hill / Visitor Gateway car park a short distance east of Brig o’ Turk. Glen Finglas sits within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and the area is managed with several access points and small parking areas, including the dam-side parking that best suits a Glen Finglas approach. (woodlandtrust.org.uk)

At around 12 km / 7.5 miles with roughly 900 m / 2,950 ft of ascent, this is a serious hill day despite the relatively modest distance. The challenge comes from how quickly the route leaves easy ground behind: the early section is usually straightforward on estate track or access road, but the climb steepens markedly once you turn into the open hill. Expect a mix of reservoir-side approach, rougher upland track, pathless or faint sections in places, and a sustained final pull onto Ben Ledi’s broad upper slopes. This is not the easiest way up the hill, and it suits hikers who are comfortable with steeper gradients, variable underfoot conditions, and navigation away from the busier main tourist line. Ben Ledi itself rises to 879 m / 2,884 ft, the highest summit in the Trossachs, and is widely regarded as one of the area’s finest viewpoints. (woodlandtrust.org.uk)

The opening kilometres are gentler and give you time to settle in. From the Glen Finglas side, the route typically follows the access road or track northward beside or above the reservoir, with long views over the water and across to surrounding hills including Benvane. This lower section is often the easiest going of the day, and it can feel deceptively mild compared with what follows. The reservoir itself is a notable landmark: it was created by the Glasgow Water Department between 1963 and 1965 as part of the city’s water supply system, so the walk begins in a landscape where modern infrastructure sits inside a much older Highland glen. (sobt.co.uk)

The climb above Glen Finglas

Once the route leaves the easier reservoir approach and heads uphill toward the ridge or upper western slopes of Ben Ledi, the character changes quickly. The gradient becomes much more demanding, and the terrain can turn rough, wet, and uneven. Depending on the exact line taken, you may use a diagonal hill track for part of the ascent before joining more open ground higher up; Woodland Trust management information notes a stone-surfaced access track up the glen, then a track cutting diagonally onto the slope. Above that, expect a more exposed mountain environment with fewer obvious waymarks and a greater need to keep track of your line carefully, especially in mist. (woodlandtrust.org.uk)

This is where preparation matters most. In dry, clear weather the route is a rewarding alternative to the standard ascent, but in low cloud the upper hill can feel much bigger and more committing than the map suggests. The broad summit area and connecting ridges can be confusing when visibility drops, and the descent line back toward Glen Finglas is less obvious than the main south-shoulder route. If you are planning this hike, it is worth loading the route in HiiKER beforehand and carrying full hill kit, because the combination of steep ascent, exposure, and less-trodden ground can make small navigation errors costly in time and energy.

As height is gained, the views open dramatically over Glen Finglas Reservoir, the Trossachs hills, and on a clear day a remarkable spread of lochs and ridges. Ben Ledi is known as an outstanding viewpoint, and the western approach gives especially good perspective over the reservoir basin and the wilder folds of the glen below. (sobt.co.uk)

Summit character, landmarks, and what to watch for

The summit of Ben Ledi is broad and airy rather than sharply narrow, but the final approach can still feel strenuous after the long climb. Wind exposure is often the biggest factor here. Even on a calm day in the glen, the top can be significantly colder and gustier, so extra layers are important. In poor weather, the upper mountain can hold clag for long periods