Ben Venue was a good starting point for us to challenge the youngsters on their way to achieving the coveted hillwalker badge. 5 hills required to complete and this would be the starting point.
We set off from the car park at 9:30am to reasonably dry weather. Everyone was excited as we have organised low level walks in the past with a few having completed the West Highland Way and many enjoyed this experience so climbing a mountain was the next challenge.
From the car park there is a nice little section of the path over wooden panels which had a great view of our target hill.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrSmall groups of kids started to form as we made our way down the track. Some more eager to be at the front. Some taking their time and others switching between the two.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe mood of the morning was clear to see. But how would they be when the real leg work began.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrWe walked past the footbridge usually used to gain access to the mountain until we reached the end of the road. Here there is a little dam which we used to cross the river.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrA short path from the dam leads over a fence where we joined the path leading towards the Bealach nam Bo.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe walk through the small forest and the high ferns was a little boggy due to recent rain but nothing too bad.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe trees begin to fall away and then we get a glimpse of our route up onto the mountain. The Belach nam Bo.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrWith the view of the Bealach ahead, to the right you get a brilliant view of Loch Katrine and the amazing autumnal colours of the Trossachs.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe groups of walkers now dividing into the speed categories.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe higher we climbed the more we started to appreciate the spectrum of colour on show.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe rocky section had a clear path up through the boulders with a few of the boys eager to climb all over them.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrOnce at the Bealach nam Bo the terrain changed to grassy slopes and a slight breeze now we were no longer sheltered by the sides of the hill.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe pace now began to slow as the realisation sat in that they had walked for 2.5 hrs and still had 2 more to go until we reached the top.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrA few moans and groans developed when I pointed up and proclaimed the top was away up there.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrMorale was starting to dip but that might have been because they were getting hungry.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrWe found a little shelter from the wind and had our lunch as the sun began to peak through the clouds intermittently.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrAnother few hundred meters up and now some mist was forming to give the scouts a taste of all the weather we usually expect on a Scottish mountain.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrLoch Achray and Loch Venachar getting a little sunlight.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrLooking across Loch Katrine to the north.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrReally proud of all the scouts getting to the top! We didnt stay very long as the wind was quite strong.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrHeading off the summit.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrLooking up Loch Katrine.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe Sun starting to cast shadows on the mountains as it begins to set.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrOur pace quickened as we descended the mountain.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrOur route back to the car gave us good views of Loch Achray and Loch Venachar before we entered the forest paths lower down.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrLooking back at our conquered hill and hopefully the first of many this group of youngsters will complete on their way to completing the hillwalker badge.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
