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Loch Lomond

Ben Venue

The twin-topped Trossachs hill above Loch Katrine and Loch Achray, 729 metres, with a famous view.

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Ben Venue is one of the best-known hills in the Trossachs, a rugged, twin-topped peak of 729 metres rising above the eastern end of Loch Katrine, and one of the most familiar sights in the district, especially from across Loch Venachar.

Its name is often explained as the little mountain, and though it is not high, it is a real mountain in character.

Its two summits are fine viewpoints, above all for the long view down Loch Katrine, and on the clearest days the eye reaches far to the south-west. The most popular ascent starts from Loch Achray, and there is another well-used route from Ledard Farm near Loch Ard on the south side. Both climb through forest and then over rough, knobbly ground to the tops. It is a good half-day or longer, and a hill that rewards a clear day more than most.

A short drive awayLoch AchrayA small, still loch in the middle of the Trossachs below Ben Venue, with a Victorian hotel on its shore.3 min by roadSee itLoch Achray
Before you go

The popular start is by Loch Achray on the A821; another route begins at Ledard Farm near Loch Ard.

Height
729 m.
Starts
Loch Achray, or Ledard Farm by Loch Ard.

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Where it is

Above Loch Katrine, the Trossachs.

Close byNearby.
  1. The steamship Sir Walter Scott at the pier on Loch Katrine.Steamship CaféThe café on Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine, from breakfast to afternoon tea, by the steamship's berth.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. The view from the summit of Ben A'an along Loch Katrine.Ben A'anA small rocky cone in the middle of the Trossachs, a short, steep climb to a great view down Loch Katrine.1 mile 7 min by road
  3. A loch winds through forested hills beneath a grey, cloudy skyThree Lochs DriveThis seven-mile drive along forest tracks winds through some outstanding scenery.4 miles 6 min by road
  4. The forest drive winding past a loch through the woods, from above.Three Lochs Forest DriveA seven-mile one-way forest road above Aberfoyle, past Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray.5 miles 10 min by road
  5. The view from Ben Ledi's slopes over the hills of the Trossachs.Ben LediThe familiar peak above Callander, 879 metres, climbed by a popular path to a long summit ridge.11 miles 19 min by road
Directions
Autumn woodland reflected in a calm loch, framed by bare branchesAttractionsLoch Achray1.7 miles
Loch Ard still as glass, reflecting trees and hills.AttractionsLoch Ard2.8 miles as the crow flies
The Duke's Pass winding through autumn hills, the road curving away below.AttractionsThe Duke's Pass5.0 miles
A white cottage reflected in still water among dark trees near Aberfoyle.AttractionsAberfoyle6.7 miles
Old gravestones in the kirkyard with the hills beyond.AttractionsAberfoyle Old Parish Church7.0 miles
A wood-fired pizza with pepperoni, mozzarella and fresh basil on a wooden table at Nick's at Port of Menteith.RestaurantsNick's at Port of Menteith8.4 miles
The Trossachs Woollen Mill beside the rushing river at Kilmahog.AttractionsTrossachs Woollen Mill8.7 miles
A wooden footbridge over a burn in the green forest.AttractionsQueen Elizabeth Forest Park9.2 miles
White water pouring over rocks at the Falls of Leny.AttractionsFalls of Leny9.6 miles

Recommend to a friend

The Daily for 23 October, from Scotland with love. Aerial view of a concrete road bridge with angled supports spanning a sea loch, twin cloud-wrapped mountain peaks rising behind autumn-coloured hills.

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the hill, and when each is next free.

A Highland calf walks across a lawn before a pink harled house, a stone wall and outbuilding visible behind.Monachyle Mhor
  • To stay
  • In Balquhidder
  • 8 miles from Ben Venue
Check datesSuie Hunting Lodge, Loch LomondSuie Hunting Lodge
  • To stay
  • In Luib
  • 13 miles from Ben Venue
Check datesA stone cottage with a slated roof sits nestled among dense woodland, two paddleboards resting on the lawn in front.Red Squirrel Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Lochgoilhead
  • 18 miles from Ben Venue
Check datesSeal Cabin, Argyll and ButeSeal Cabin
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Lochgoilhead
  • 18 miles from Ben Venue
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Loch LomondAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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