Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge up Ben Ledi: route map, distance and time
879 m · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Ben Ledi is a Corbett above Callander and Loch Lubnaig, a popular hill with a clear path through the forest and up its south-east ridge.
A path climbs through forestry onto the south-east ridge, then follows the ridge past the memorial cross to the summit.
Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge at a glance
| Distance | 6.5 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 753 m |
| Time up | 2h 35m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 50m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Ben Ledi car park, Loch Lubnaig |
| Start grid reference | NN 584 130 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 562 097 |
Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 3h 10m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 35m | 3h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 10m | 4h 45m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:16, sunset 16:45. Start by 11:55 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:43. Start by 11:53 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Ben Ledi summit weather for this route
-
Poor Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 44 mph gusting 56 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:16, sunset 16:45.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Mostly dry, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 32 mph gusting 40 mph, 6% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:43.
Best day of the next seven for the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge: Tuesday 3 November, with summit gusts around 19 mph and a 2% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 3% (Low), best around 06:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Ben Ledi forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Ben Ledi?
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -3°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 56 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Ben Ledi
Ben Ledi is a Corbett above Callander and Loch Lubnaig, a popular hill with a clear path through the forest and up its south-east ridge. More about Ben Ledi, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Corbett, Marilyn.
Challenges that include Ben Ledi
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 584 130, the summit at NN 562 097), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge?
The Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge is 6.5 km one way to the summit of Ben Ledi, with 753 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 13.0 km.
How long does the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge take?
About 2h 35m to the summit of Ben Ledi and 3h 50m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 45m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge?
The Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge starts from Ben Ledi car park, Loch Lubnaig. The grid reference is NN 584 130.
Is the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge today?
By 11:55 at the latest. Sunset on Ben Ledi today is 16:45, The Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge takes about 3h 50m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Loch Lubnaig via the south-east ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).