Ben Venue – Southern Highlands

Undoubtedly one of the finest peaks in the Trossachs, Ben Venue makes for an excellent objective. The most popular route is a characterful hike that begins from the shores of Loch Achray. On a clear day, expect stunning views along Loch Katrine into the heart of the Southern Highlands.

It’s fairly common on a mountain hike that your objective hides out of sight during the early stages. This isn’t the case with Ben Venue, which is in glorious full view from the environs of Loch Achray, particularly from the Creag Noran Viewpoint, just a short hop from the car park. You cross a marshy section on boardwalks and then cross the Achray Water via a footbridge.

You follow paths and forestry tracks to steadily gain height, before a well-made trail ascends gradually along the Gleann Riabhach valley, arcing around the mountain to reach its southern breach. The path continues, ascending the head of the corrie into a hanging valley to the southwest of the two summits.

From here, there’s a steep final ascent, as a vista across Loch Katrine and the Southern Highlands opens up. First, you visit Ben Venue’s main summit, with grandstand views of nearby Ben Lomond, as well as conspicuous distant peaks like the Cobbler and Stob Binnein.

A short but rough walk brings you to the East Top, which is a particularly fine viewpoint for Loch Achray and Loch Venachar, flanked by the wooded hillsides of the Trossachs and stretching away to the east.

The return journey is much the same, with an optional variation once back among the trees at loch level.