Ben Venue

Out with the Kilmarnock group today and an excellent group walk to Ben Venue, 725m. This is a Graham category hill and after a long walk in it livened up and then it was a steep beggar at times. No stroll in the park thats for sure.

1st sighting of Ben Venue

There is not a lot to say about the walk in from Loch Achray apart from it is on a solid hard packed good surface. Through the wooded sections there are markers like this but when they end the track can't be missed.

Signpost Venue or home?

Initially through some pleasant woodland before unsightly deforestation kicked in for a large stretch.

Looking back from 1st rocky section

It gets much more interesting when it kicks up for a bit requiring some hands on at times but good fun. The surroundings are also more mountain like. The kick up continues until we reach the cairn where the alternative track from Loch Ard joins.

Obvious well trod path

Looking back from next the scramble the Arrochar hills are clearly identified.
Still more light scrambling up a straightforward track and just before the top the first views of Loch Katrine are rewarding.

Summit

Again another steep scramble on loose rock and the cairn is reached. Dumyat and Earls Seat are in view along with Loch Venachar.

Loch Katrine

However the best views are a bit further across where Loch Katrine is in full view down below. Lochs Achray & Venachar in full. Water below always seems to bring a more fulfilling view, maybe it's just me. Ben An is just across the way, the upper view of its stature looking nothing like as impressive it does from below. 

Cotton grass moving in the breeze

On the descent a caterpillar is spotted on cotton grass, almost certain to be the rare Large Heath, a good spot.
As we neared the cars the expected thunder claps began, the odd sheet lightening and some raindrops but nothing significant until we drove home, good timing.
An enjoyable walk in good weather with fine company, what's not too like. 
Wildlife: raven, meadow pipit, siskin, buzzard plus the caterpillar.