Ben Ledi - Bochastle route

Decided to do this last minute with a couple of friends from Callander. Uncharacteristically for me (but not for them), we arrived at the car park at 1100 on a Saturday. Mobbed. Instead, we drove around to the newish car park at Bochastle, just past the Lade Inn. Only 1 car so it would be a quiet way up most of this hill. And there's a lot to be said for going up this route. You have views from almost minute 1, the new land rover track offers an easy amble up past the conifer-line (not represented on the map) or you can just walk along to the adjoining path from Leny car park. We decided to head up past newly planted conifers, which was a little awkward on the feet - what a right mess the Forestry folk leave behind - scarcely nothing of wildlife resides in such an area. A falcon let out a forlorn cry as we ascended as if to say "nothing for me to eat here". Eventually, we connected with the well-used path and began the climb over the various shoulders up Ben Ledi. Views across to a partially frozen Loch Venachar to the South, Ben More and Stuc a Chroin to the East were fantastic and as we gained height, a biting Northerly wind sought out exposed flesh. Although this is a Corbett, it's extremely popular (almost as popular as Ben Lomond, in my opinion). After one or two false summits, we came across the curious iron cross and plaque commemorating a Mountain Rescue member and soldier. Quite sad really and unusual for such things to found on hills these days - the phrase 'I love the hills' resonated with me and I am sure many others. We walked a further bit across the plateau to the trig point and took photos of summit shots and admired the views but not for long, as the wind was really brutal. A quick descent at 1630 but still we met walkers ascending, some with camping equipment. A young couple were plodding up and if she expected a night of passion in that cold, she'd have more chance of winning the lotto than finding..... . A relaxing day out on the hills and Winter is still with us in the high places....