The Trossachs may be a prime destination for tearooms and coach parties, but don't be fooled - there's still quality hillwalking to be found here. Ben Venue is a pint-sized hill but one of full-fat character, rising steep and rugged from dense woods to offer expansive views over Loch Katrine and the sawtoothed Southern Highlands skyline. The standard ascent from the Achray side is a well-used path, a bit heavy on the pine plantations and a very roundabout route to the top. It'd be a shame to go down the same way, so instead the descent described here makes the best of Ben Venue's wilder and more attractive northern side, leading you on a tough off-trail leg to the little-trodden Bealach nam Bo.
6.47 miles, 10.41 km, 685m ascent, 4 – 5:30 hours. Callander
Read more at http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=436