Ben Venue East Top

Rising above beautiful Loch Katrine’s wooded slopes, hikes to Ben Venue take you to the zenith of one of the giants of the Trossachs. A fine, mountainous form seen in many views from Lochs Katrine, Venechar and Archray, it is a hillwalker’s delight, promising unforgettable Highland vistas.

A giant of the Trossachs boasting superb views of the Southern Highlands

Walking routes to Ben Venue usually approach through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park before ascending via the Bealach Mor na Beinne. Its rocky northern flanks tumble down to Loch Katrine, where there are a few indistinct paths. Any approach from this side is rough and only for experienced mountain walkers. Approaches from Loch Ard are also possible if you have time on your side.

The mountain tops out on two distinct summits. The eastern is adorned by a trig pillar, though it is the western top that is slightly higher. Both boast lovely views of the Trossachs, the islands of Loch Lomond to the south and the higher peaks of the Southern Highlands to the north. On a clear day, the Isle of Arran rises beyond the Firth of Clyde and to the west the Paps of Jura can be seen.

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Loch Katrine area, from campsites and lodges to guest houses, whilst nearby Loch Lomond is host to a range of hotels. There are wild camping restrictions in the area, check the national park website for more information.

In winter conditions, Ben Venue can be too challenging without an ice axe or crampons, when the mountain is best left to experienced mountaineers.