Graham · Arrochar & Trossachs
Ben Venue
The defining peak of the Trossachs, rising above the south shore of Loch Katrine in twin rocky summits. Walter Scott's hill — name-checked in The Lady of the Lake and visible from every Trossachs viewpoint.
Quick facts
- Height
- 729.5m/ 2393ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 598 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN474063
- Parking
- NN406085
- Nearest city
- Stirling
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
woodland path 25% · moorland path 35% · rocky upper slopes 30% · summit area 10%
Park at Ledard farm on the south side of Loch Achray. Follow the Ledard Burn path north-west up through oak and birch woodland into the upper corrie, then turn west onto the rocky east summit. The slightly higher west top is a short walk on.
Terrain
Excellent path through the lower glen with waterfalls and pools. Higher up, schist outcrops and short grass. The two summits are linked by a stony ridge with one small step.
In winter
Trossachs hills hold snow surprisingly well — the east-facing corries can keep cover into April. Ice on the upper rocky steps catches walkers out. Loch Katrine cruise stops in winter so a return via Ledard is essential.
This hill is in the Lochaber SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 1m
- Edinburgh2h 48m
OS maps: OS Landranger 57
Mobile signal: Reception on the lower path; patchy on the summit ridge
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:40
- Sunset
- 21:51
- Civil dawn
- 03:42
- Civil dusk
- 22:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Ben Venue.
Around Ben Venue on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Arrochar & Tarbet station
Arrochar Alps — The Cobbler, Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain, Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich
17km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Callander
Trossachs gateway — Ben Ledi, Stuc a Chroin, Rob Roy Way
16km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Deanston
Doune — converted cotton mill; floral, honeyed Perthshire distillery
25km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Ben Venue — common questions
- How hard is Ben Venue?
- Ben Venue is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 598m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Excellent path through the lower glen with waterfalls and pools.
- Where do I park for Ben Venue?
- Standard parking is at NN406085 near Stirling. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Ben Venue?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Venue are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Ben Venue?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Ben Venue?
- Reception on the lower path; patchy on the summit ridge
- Is Ben Venue safe in winter?
- Trossachs hills hold snow surprisingly well — the east-facing corries can keep cover into April. Ice on the upper rocky steps catches walkers out. Loch Katrine cruise stops in winter so a return via Ledard is essential.