📌 The Trossachs, Stirling
★★★★
Ben Venue (an anglicized version of the Gaelic for small mountain) is the highest summit in the rough terrain between Loch Ard and Loch Katrine. Its position right at the heart of the Trossachs affords it spectacular views of countless lochs and peaks, which more than measure up to the panoramas from celebrated neighbours: iconic Ben A’an and higher Ben Ledi. There are two summits; the east top is bedecked with a triangulation pillar, but (hill baggers take note) the west top is a couple of metres higher. This page details the most popular route to the summit, crossing the Achray Water to access the curling folds of Gleann Riabhach. After passing an attractive waterfall at the head of the glen, a tricky area of bog provides a soggy barrier before merging with the alternative ascent route from Loch Ard. It’s possible to vary the return leg slightly near the end – see the map.
📷 Chronological photo guide
Ben Venue from the first part of the route 
Waterfall on the Achray Water 
Woodland paths & tracks 
Gleann Riabhach 
Gleann Riabhach 
Head of Gleann Riabhach with distant Spùt Bàn 
View back down Gleann Riabhach from Spùt Bàn 
Summit in view 
Small waterfall above Spùt Bàn 
The boggiest section 
The alternative ascent route from Loch Ard joins here 
Beinn Bhreac (centre), with Ben Lomond just behind to the left 
Loch Katrine & West Highlands from Ben Venue’s west top 
Loch Katrine 
Looking east towards the east top, Loch Achray & Loch Venachar 
Loch Katrine (left), Loch Achray (centre) & Loch Venachar (right) 
West top seen from the east top 
Loch Achray & Loch Venachar from the east top 
Loch Katrine from the east top 
Descent towards the Loch Achray Hotel 
Loch Achray 
Ben Venue & Loch Achray Hotel 
Short road walk to return to the car park
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish at Ben Venue car park, A821 just north of Loch Achray Hotel
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NN 506068
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.230939,-4.411576
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park (charge)
📝 Key info
▶ 14 km / 9 mi | ▲ 730 m | ⌛ 5-6 hr
Features: 🌊 Achray Water & waterfalls; △ Ben Venue (729 m, “Torbett”); 💧 Loch Achray
⬤ Tough | Clear paths and tracks almost throughout, though progressively rougher and steeper with height. Very boggy patch above Spùt Bàn.
Download file for GPS➡️ Out-and-back walk with return variant lower down: start – footbridge over Achray Water near Pass of Achray – path junction at 🧭 NN 494060 – Gleann Riabhach – Spùt Bàn waterfall – path junction at bealach at 🧭 NN 469061 – Ben Venue west (higher) top – east top – return to path junction at bealach – return by outward route to path junction at 🧭 NN 494060 – Loch Achray Hotel – start
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Dippers by the Achray Water, grouse and buzzards on the hill, Highland Cows by Loch Achray Hotel.
Weather: 6°C at start, sunny with some cloudier periods following overnight rain, light wind.
September 2020
