Ben Venue Midge-Fest

Ben Venue is not a hill for scaredy-cats. As a scaredy-cat I found the whole thing scary. Miaow! Steep rocky slopes where danger abounded, or whatever it is that danger does, and inclines where you discovered the reassuring properties of a backside on the ground as you slithered down another precipitous incline.

And then there were the midges. Midges the size of elephants... ... well, maybe not, but just annoying as an elephant with an itch. This was a wholly unenjoyable walk.

It's not meant to be a hill you just dander up. It is, without question, challenging, and you should have plenty of outdoor experience before even thinking about it.

I made it to the top, but didn't hang around. Clouds of midges so thick I started inhaling the little blighters.

Last time I tried to make it to the top I failed, and had to rush back to Aberfoyle to catch the last bus back to Glasgow.

But now there a new bus in the summer: the TEX1 Trossachs Trundler equivalent that runs between Drymen and Callander, passing through The Trossachs and all the beautiful scenery found in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

So you don't need to climb a hill or be scared. You can get this little bus to the head of Loch Katrine and catch a cruise. Or you can just sit somewhere marvelling at views of Ben Venue or Ben A'an or Loch Achray or... ... or well, lots of stuff really. But best to have some sort of midge repellent when those ghastly little critters are out and about. And if you're brave enough, make sure and wear trousers with a reinforced seat!