It may not boast the towering height of Scotland’s Munros, but Ben Venue, standing at 729 meters, holds its own in the stunning Trossachs landscape. With craggy slopes immortalized by Sir Walter Scott and sweeping views stretching across iconic lochs and peaks, this mountain is a hidden gem for hikers seeking both challenge and beauty.
A Hike Through History and Scenery
Sir Walter Scott famously described Ben Venue’s rugged slopes as “fragments of an earlier world” in his poem The Lady of the Lake. That poetic description holds true today as hikers make their way through paths lined with ancient rock formations and breathtaking views.
From its summit, one can admire Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, and Loch Venachar. On clear days, the peaks of Ben A’an, Ben More, and Ben Lomond dominate the horizon. A stroke of luck might even reveal distant landmarks like Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, the Isle of Arran, and the Paps of Jura.
Setting Off: A Winter Trek Begins
Starting from the shores of Loch Achray, the hike winds through forestry paths, crosses bridges over cascading waterfalls, and gradually ascends towards the open hills. The first major landmark on the journey is Ben A’an, a striking 461-meter peak known for its pyramid-like silhouette. As the path meanders through Gleann Riabhach, Ben Venue’s summit slopes loom ever closer, promising both challenge and adventure.
With snow, ice, and a wind chill forecasted at -12°C, the conditions were formidable. However, equipped with crampons and micro spikes, the group pressed on, determined to reach the summit despite the bitter cold.
The Ascent: Overcoming Nature’s Obstacles
Navigating the mountain wasn’t without its tests. One of the first major challenges was an iced-up waterfall, forcing some hikers to carefully skirt around it while others boldly climbed straight up.
A well-earned break at a plateau marked the first significant milestone, offering an opportunity to take in the fleeting but breathtaking views of Loch Katrine. This spot, featuring a large cairn, also signaled the transition into steeper and rockier terrain.
Reaching the knobbly first summit required negotiating an icy and rugged path. Spikes proved invaluable, ensuring secure footing on the slick, snow-covered rocks. Every step was an effort, but the rewards were spectacular.
Summit Views: A Winter Wonderland
At the southeastern summit, the landscape transformed into a mesmerizing winter scene. Wind and ice had sculpted the snow into formations resembling cotton wool or spun sugar, turning the peak into an almost otherworldly sight.
- The panoramic views from the top were fleeting but extraordinary, with shimmering lochs and distant peaks briefly emerging from the swirling clouds.
- With temperatures too frigid to linger, the group moved toward the north summit—just 2 meters higher—before beginning their descent.
The Descent: One Last Look
After a few hurried summit photos and a final glimpse of the rugged scenery, the group made their way back down, pausing for a second picnic in a sheltered spot. The descent offered a chance to appreciate the beauty of Ben Venue from a different perspective, with the afternoon light casting dramatic shadows over the valleys below.
Though often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Ben Venue proves that height isn’t everything. Its character, scenery, and sense of adventure make it one of Scotland’s finest small mountains.
