After a gentle introduction to hill-walking at the beginning of June, I set my friends a tougher task today in climbing Ben Ledi.

Although not the highest of mountains (at 879m it isn’t even a Munro), the ascent and descent are both pretty steep so it would give Gregor, Gail & Bruce a good workout. It also has amazing views over the surrounding area.

I rather stupidly left my camera behind when I left the flat today, so I had to make do with using my ‘phone’s camera. We all met at the car park just after the Pass of Leny and soon set off up the steep track that runs through the forest on the lower slopes. After we came out of the trees we stopped for a rest, and looked back towards Stirling.

After several false summits we eventually reached the cairn that marks the top, and stopped for our lunch.

Moving off after our rest, we followed the path as it runs along the ever-narrowing ridge of Ben Ledi.

Then we began the steep descent over the end of the ridge, looking back up to see where we’d come from.

And looking down to Stank Glen and Loch Lubnaig below.

This was to be our last practice walk before starting the West Highland Way in July.