Muddy, boggy, wet that's Ben Venue from Ledard Farm

Hill: Ben Venue
Category: Graham
Height: 729m
I decided to break my journey home and join the group from Ayr & District for this walk. I had been to the top of Ben Venue before but not from this side so apart from a small section at the top to all intents a new hill for me.

Start

Walkhighlands describe this approach as very muddy and then boggy further up. It was not wrong as this has to be the longest wettest mud fest I have walked for some time.

Lumpy formations

This gloop started quickly through the wooded section which could be very pleasant under other conditions, interesting moss covered formations.

Leaving the woods

Out of the woods and we were soon on the cloud line. Thankfully we were able to cross the Ledard burn without difficulty. The fence is broken at the stile which led us to take the ankle deep gloop, the wet and slippy stile would have been better option.
Now the rain and wind joined in, nae views just a trek to the point the tracks merged.
After the junction there were other people around from the tourist route so we were not the only foolish ones out today.

Not much to see up here

The last section is fairly steep and rocky so care required as wet rock means very slippy conditions, only one minor accident. 
The flat sections in between were just awful wide expanses of deep mud, difficult to avoid at times.

Summit

Got to the top, nothing to see so did not hang around, time to get lower out of the wind and get some food.

Clouds lift briefly heading for the low point of the ridge

On the descent we took the same route. The clouds did lift for a short section and it was nice to see the views. It felt so weird, as if we were in the wrong spot, on the way up in the cloud you did not get the feel for the landscape. A nice bowl of a glen and the slopes of Beinn Bhreac.

Ledard burn safe to cross up and down

Still not for long, clouds back down low, rain back on so just plod through the mud back to the car. How I didn’t heel slip is one of the mysteries for today.
The walk was a lot longer than my Graham the other day and I was feeling a bit achy by the end. But a good outing with good chat as always.

Wildlife: Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Blackbird; Greylag Geese; Hooded Crow; Pied Wagtail.
Time: 5.05
Ascent: 2590ft 
Distance: 6.92m 

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.