Ben Vane (Trossachs) is not a Munro but due to its location offers a variety of approaches, each having its own unique attraction. A much neglected mountain, it is surrounded by unspoilt scenery and from its summit some well known mountains are often unrecogniseable due to the unusual viewpoint.
Description
1. From Stank carpark. About 11 miles, total ascent=3500ft. Time 5-7 hours.
From the carpark at Stank bridge A84 2.5 miles north of Callander, walk up the riverside track to the sign for Ben Ledi near Stank farm. Follow sign, turning right off the forestry road at the sharp left bend. Follow up the side of the burn, past a waterfall to a second timber road. Cross this timber road to find the path climbing steeply up toward the hill. At the fork in the path (by the bridge over the burn), take the right fork and follow this all the way up the burn, re-crossing ther burn and then steeply up to a stile.
After crossing the stile, the path - now less distinct at times - follows the burn in a generally westward direction to a col (NN557110) just past a small lochan. Turn right here to follow a worn track which climbs a little then drops to pass Lochan nan Corp (lochan of the dead) then climbing gradually to pass Stuc Dhubh (2170 ft) to continue NNW via a wet bealach to Creag Chaoruinneach (NN547132). The track veers west, then southwest before turning north again to the summit of Ben Vane.
Return by the same route to Stuc Dhubh then drop a short way before turning east for about 0.75 miles over to Ardnandave Hill (2330 ft, NN567125) being careful to avoid the steep north then east facing crags overlooking loch Lubnaig.
Now from this summit, head SSE down a slowly descending shoulder (no clear track) to find a way down to a fork in the timber road (NN578108) just above Stank farm. A short walk Southward on the lower road brings you back to the path by which you ascended past the waterfall - return by the same route.
2. From GlenBuckie. About 6 miles. Total ascent=2000ft. Time 4-5 hours
Drive A84 to Kings House at Balquhidder turn off. Drive to Balquhidder church (2miles) then 100 yards past the church turn left and cross a bridge (see the view up Loch Voil on the right). After the bridge ignore the first right (to Stronvar) and take the second right (SP Balimore) to follow a narrow twisting road for 2 miles then park just before the private road at Balimore.
Walk through the gate at the cattle grid, over the bridge then immediately leave the road by a steep track on the right up a banking. Follow this track over rough ground with many muddy stretches for about 1 mile to a point where the track veers sharply to the south at the end of the NW shoulder of Ben Vane.
At this point (NN514170) leave the track and climb up grassy slopes on the left to find a way round the craggy outcrops around the Bealach a Chonnaidh. Soon you reach the grassy slopes of the 3 mile long shoulder - with some boggy stretches - which climbs gently in a SE direction to the summit of Ben Vane (beware steep crags to the East). An old fence provides a good guide on the last section.
Re-trace your steps to some craggy rocks (NN523160) just past a bad boggy stretch. If cloud free you should see a small patch of forest plantation to the north east. Head down toward the plantation on the NE shoulder, veering slowly toward north as you descend. Some farm buildings beyond the trees give a good guide down to the farm road at the foot of the hill. A short walk left brings you back to Balimore.
3. From Glen Finglas. (via Brig o' Turk) 11 miles. Easy at first to end of farm road then hard work up to the ridge.
Park at the small car park at the fork in the road 0.5 mile NW of Brig o' Turk on the road past the Brig o' Turk Tea room.
At the car park, walk back through the gate then turn left up the steep road (no cars permitted) to a vantage point giving excellent views along the Finglas reservoir. Continue on this road about 1.25 miles to some farm buildings to find a farm road heading generally NE up into Glen Carsaig.
Follow this road to its end (about 2 miles) then climb grass and heather slopes to join the ridge between Ben Ledi and Ben Vane. Continue now as in walk 1. Return by the same route.
I have not walked this last route so description is based largely on hearsay.
Once on the mountain slopes, the terrain is generally easy going on grassy slopes.