Weekend Hiking near Callander

The last weekend in July, with lockdown eased, I finally decided to take a few days off. We drove the short journey to Callander in central Scotland, where we stayed for a few days. We climbed Ben A’an, walked around Bracklinn Falls, and hiked around the Ben Ledi loop.

I was a bit apprehensive as we left Edinburgh, as there were grey skies, and we were rained on during the drive. We got to Callander and the sun came out for our walk up Ben A’an. It’s a quick walk, suitable for kids, but with impressive views. At the top you can see down the length of Loch Katrine.

The light was playing on opposite hills, and across the water. We walked down the back of the hill towards the Loch. The route was a little difficult to find in places, and a wee bit boggy. If you plan to do the loop, rather than the out-and-back, then stick to the line of the fence you come to. I have published the track on Komoot.

We drove back to Callander, checked in to our AirBnb and then walked along to the Old Rectory Inn for dinner and a drink in the sun.

Bracklinn Falls

We started the second day with an 8km morning run out of Callander to Dunmore Hillfort and back. We wanted the afternoon to be a relaxing walk, so we visited Bracklinn Falls. We walked the loop past the falls, and over the Craggs before descending back into town.

The Falls were fairly busy, but afterwards we hardly saw anyone on the route.

That evening we got a fish supper from Mhor Fish in town (recommended!) and sat in the church square to eat.

Ben Ledi

The last day of our trip was a walk up Ben Ledi, just a short drive north of Callander. The day started with a little rain and mist, shrouding the peak.

At the top the clouds parted for a few minutes to give us views down the valley.

We walked the loop, rather than just out-and-back. The far side was a little more boggy, but with beautiful small streams, and a lovely path through the heather. By the end of the day the sun was out, and it made the descent into a great walk.