Trossachs Walks & Cycle Tracks - The Way to Ben Venue
Type of track:
Forest timber roads, purpose made paths. Some steep bits in the early part in the woods but the elevation later (plus a thrilling descent if on a bike) makes it worth while. Pleasing to walk - testing and enjoyable on a mountain bike - unsuitable for a road bike!
Length:
9 miles round trip
Begin at:
Car park A821 west end Loch Achray just south of Loch Katrine access road..
Description:
At the rear of the car park there are 2 paths leading up the slope - either will do ( the left one is harder). The paths meet after a short climb and after crossing a raised duck-board section reach a narrow road marked 'loch Katrine dam road'. Turn left onto this road and after about 3/4 mile turn left on a narrow path leading over a lovely arched timber bridge by a waterfall. After the bridge climb to meet a timber road and turn right. Follow for a 1/4 mile then find a path on the left leading up through the woods. Be prepared to get off and push! The path eventually drops to meet another path at a T junction - turn right for another steep climb to meet a timber road. At the timber road turn right and follow about 1/4 mile then right onto a narrow track marked by a waymark post. This now climbs again for a short while - and many drainage channels cross this path - before entering the forest once more for a final stretch up to the edge of the open hillside.
You may wish to continue to the summit of Ben Venue from the edge of the woods - but not with a bike! The distance to the summit from the woods is 1.5 miles.The path on the open hillside leads over some very boggy areas with a little scrambling by a waterfall. After passing the waterfall look for a large cairn in a bealach (dip between 2 hills) where you turn right for the final climb to the top. If going on to the summit, be prepared for adverse weather and wear suitable footwear.
Return by the path through the woods the way you came but when you get close to the arched wooden bridge, stay on the timner road. This leads to the rear of the Loch Achray Hotel and on to the road at Loch Achray. A left turn here takes you back to the car park.
