Ben Venue Scotland
A challenging yet rewarding Scottish mountain hike offering breathtaking views of lochs and peaks, with varied terrain and atmospheric trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ascent
Ben Venue Scotland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ascent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging yet rewarding Scottish mountain hike offering breathtaking views of lochs and peaks, with varied terrain and atmospheric trails.
"The view on the top is just breathtaking. If you love the nature then definitely you are going to love Ben Venue."
🚗 Car Park Strategy
Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to secure parking. Toilets and coffee are available nearby. :car:
🥾 Essential Footwear
Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the boggy and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Two peaks (729m and 727m)
Breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, and beyond. A truly rewarding sight after a challenging climb.
Puck's Glen
Near Ben Venue
A magical, wooded walk with a mystical atmosphere, often compared to scenes from Twilight.
Ben A'an Viewpoint
Ben A'an summit
Offers an incredible vista of Ben Venue, earning Ben A'an the nickname 'mountain in miniature'.
Loch Achray Scenery
Route from Loch Achray
A varied trail featuring forests, waterfalls, and boggy terrain leading to stunning mountain views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car Park Strategy
Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to secure parking. Toilets and coffee are available nearby. :car:
🥾 Essential Footwear
Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the boggy and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🎒 Pack Smart
Waterproofs and provisions are crucial, regardless of the forecast. :backpack:
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The path is well-signposted initially, then becomes clearer as you ascend. :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car Park Strategy
Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to secure parking. Toilets and coffee are available nearby. :car:
🥾 Essential Footwear
Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the boggy and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🎒 Pack Smart
Waterproofs and provisions are crucial, regardless of the forecast. :backpack:
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The path is well-signposted initially, then becomes clearer as you ascend. :compass:
📸 Drone Photography
Great for capturing aerial views, but be mindful of midges!
🏃♀️ Trail Running
Challenging but rewarding, especially with a friend. Be prepared for wind at the summit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ben Venue is a highly rewarding hike with breathtaking summit views, though it demands preparation. Hikers praise the stunning scenery of the lochs and surrounding peaks, making the challenging ascent worthwhile. However, visitors should be prepared for boggy terrain and rocky scrambles, and early arrival is recommended to secure parking on busy weekends.
"Starting from Ben Venue Car Park the way is well signposted until it isn’t, but the path is clear from then on. It’s a long walk around to the other side of Ben Venue before you start the real accent.
There is a flat marshy section and a few rocky scrambling parts (more awkward on the way down), but for the most part a moderate climb.
There are two peaks (729m and 727m), a short distance apart, with stunning views of Loch Katrina, Loch Achray and Venachar and well beyond. We started early, leaving the car park at 05:50, and reached the top of the first peak 09:05 going at an easy pace (I’m in my 60s so it’s not a race). We didn’t see another soul until 20 minutes after we headed back down. 😌
The photos don’t do it justice, but shows how beautiful it is."
Mac McDade
"Take appropriate gear. Boots are a must as it's unavoidably boggy after a long easy hike. Couple of scrambles to the top. Stunning views make it very worthwhile!
I saw some people in trainers and tracksuit bottoms 🙄 No rucksacks for waterproofs or emergency provisions which are also a must up any mountain regardless of the forecast.
Respect the mountains and mountain rescue workers by being prepared!!!"
James Moore
"Great car parking facilites and well constructed trail that leads you up around the back of the hill via the Glen. Terrain gets steeper as you pass up to the bog and then up the ridgeline. Lovey walk."
David Bryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While Ben Venue is best accessed by car, public transport options can get you to nearby towns like Callander or Aberfoyle. From there, you might need to arrange a taxi or local bus service. The nearest train stations are typically in Stirling or Perth, requiring further onward travel.
Yes, there is a car park at the Ben Venue trailhead. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
The most common starting point is the Ben Venue Car Park. The trail is generally well-signposted from the car park, leading you around the back of the hill before the main ascent.
Yes, Ben Venue can be visited in winter, but conditions can be challenging with snow and ice. Proper winter gear, navigation skills, and checking weather forecasts are essential.
Yes, there are toilets and a coffee shop located near the Ben Venue car park, offering some amenities for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking Ben Venue is free. There are no admission fees to access the trails or the mountain itself.
Ben Venue is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. The car park may have specific operating hours, but the trails themselves are open at all times.
The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where Ben Venue is located, does not have an entrance fee. Access to the park and its trails is free.
While not mandatory, guided tours can enhance your experience, especially if you're new to hillwalking. You can often find local guides or outdoor activity providers offering tours in the Trossachs area.
No, there's no need to book a time slot for Ben Venue. It's a public access mountain, and you can hike it at your own pace.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The hike typically takes around 5-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the route taken. It's a substantial walk with two peaks to conquer.
Ben Venue is considered a moderate to challenging hike. It involves boggy sections, rocky scrambles, and a significant ascent, requiring a good level of fitness.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, Venachar, and the surrounding Trossachs landscape. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Toilets are available at the car park, but there are no facilities along the hiking trail itself. Ensure you use the facilities before you start your hike.
While possible for fit beginners, it's recommended to have some hiking experience. The terrain can be demanding, and proper preparation is key.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. The approach via Loch Achray also provides beautiful forest and waterfall shots. +1
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular.
Drones can be used to capture aerial views, but always check current regulations for drone usage within national parks. Be mindful of other hikers.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture distant details. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
Don't miss the views of the lochs from the summit, the rocky formations on the ascent, and the atmospheric wooded sections of the trail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider the weather conditions carefully.🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Day-Trippers
The well-defined initial path makes navigation straightforward, and the varied terrain keeps the hike engaging. For a shorter day trip from Glasgow, the Ben A'an hike offers a comparable sense of accomplishment with stunning views of Ben Venue itself. Ensure you have a map, compass, and are prepared for the weather, as conditions can change rapidly in the Scottish Highlands.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens to capture distant details. Drone photography can also yield impressive aerial shots, showcasing the dramatic topography of the region. Be prepared for potentially boggy conditions, which can add an interesting element to foreground shots, and always check for any drone usage restrictions in the national park.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ben Venue Hike: A Detailed Look
The journey typically begins at the Ben Venue Car Park, with the initial stages of the trail being well-signposted. However, the path becomes less defined as you progress, requiring careful navigation. The route involves a considerable walk around the base of the mountain before the main ascent begins. The terrain presents a varied challenge. You'll encounter boggy sections, which are unavoidable and necessitate waterproof footwear, as well as rocky scrambling parts, particularly on the descent. Despite these challenges, the majority of the climb is considered moderate. The effort is amply rewarded by the stunning views from the two summits (729m and 727m), which offer breathtaking panoramas of Loch Katrina, Loch Achray, and Venachar, extending far beyond on clear days.
Many hikers recommend starting early, even before 9 AM, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
Exploring the Trossachs: Beyond Ben Venue
For those seeking incredible vistas with a shorter hike, Ben A'an is a popular choice. Known as the 'mountain in miniature', its summit provides a spectacular viewpoint directly overlooking Ben Venue, making it a fantastic spot for photography and appreciating the scale of the landscape.
The route from Loch Achray to Ben Venue also highlights the diverse scenery of the Trossachs, encompassing forests, waterfalls, and open moorland, offering a rich tapestry of natural elements. Beyond hiking, the area around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is ideal for various outdoor pursuits. You can enjoy watersports on the lochs, explore scenic drives, or discover other notable peaks like Ben More and Stob Binnein for a more demanding Munro-bagging adventure.
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