This waymarked forest circuit explores the very heart of the Trossachs just above Loch Achray, along the banks of the Achray Water. In autumn the colours are spectacular.
Summary
Waymarked forest paths with some up and down.
Terrain
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1. The walk begins from the Ben Venue car park, just south of the turning for Loch Katrine on the A821. There is an information board giving details about the route and also the ascent of Ben Venue which begins here; the Achray Water walk is waymarked in green. Two paths leave the car park and it really doesn't matter which is taken as they join (they form the very short red route). There are good views on the first section, both back to Loch Achray and up to Ben A'an. When the path junction at the end of the loop is reached follow the blue / green marker post - the other arm of the red loop can be followed on the way back.
2. The path crosses a wooden boardwalk across a marshy area. Beyond this it reaches a tarmac road very near to the public road. Turn sharp left here to follow the private road, soon signed for the Loch Katrine dam. There are good views of Ben Venue ahead and the road runs close to the often-foaming Achray Water. The flow of this river is unpredictable as it is controlled by the dam hidden upstream.
3. Look out for a waymarked path heading off to the left and follow this to the Achray Water bridge. Cross the attractive bridge and continue to reach a track. Turn right here - signed as the footpath to Ben Venue. After a few hundred metres turn left onto another path (waymarked) heading up through the trees. This undulates for a while before descending to reach another track. This time, turn left (signed for Achray hotel) - the Ben Venue path heads off to the right here.
4. The track descends slowly giving more good views across the forest to Ben A'an - from here it can be seen that the Ben is really only a shoulder of the higher, rolling hill behind. When a cross-roads is reached continue straight across.
5. When the track descends to the Achray Water and reaches a t-junction, turn left. The track now leads back to the signed junction reached earlier. Turn right to follow the path back down to and across Achray Bridge. Turn right onto the private road on the far side and continue retracing your steps, turning right onto the path just before the public road is reached. You can now follow the other branch of the red loop to return to the car park.
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