No event in 2017
To confirm, there will be no Ben Venue Hill Race in 2017. We’ll be reviewing it over the course of the year, and will advise here details for 2018 as and when they’re decided.
Details that follow for reference/posterity, and will be updated.
Previously…
The Bella Ben Venue Hill Race last took place on Saturday 1st October, 2016, at 1pm. All proceeds from the race went to Lomond Mountain Rescue Team funds – visit their website for more on their excellent work.
Ben Venue is the heart of the Trossachs, nestling between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. Close to Aberfoyle and only 30 minutes drive from Glasgow & Stirling, it offers an easy to access hill with a remote feel!
Entry details
You can also enter on the day, but there is a £2 surcharge, and note that registration will close at 12.30 to avoid the usual last minute rush. Please print out and complete the entry form (found here), and bring it with your payment to registration, which is open from 11.30-12.30 at the Ben Venue Car Park. Entrants must be over 18. Cost is £5 for SAF members and £2 extra for non-members, plus £2 extra for entries on the day.
Please also review the detailed course description (click here).
Requirements
You will be required to carry a map, compass, whistle, full waterproof body cover, hat and gloves. Entrants must be over 18.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for seniors, vets and teams.
Getting there
By car, there is limited car parking available at Ben Venue, Ben A’an and Loch Katrine car parks. ALL FORESTRY COMMISSION CAR PARKS NOW CHARGE £3 PER CAR SO PLEASE CAR SHARE.
Facilities
The closest public toilets to the race start are at the pier of Loch Katrine (500m only). There is also a café here for any hungry supporters.
Race details
7.5 miles, with 3,000 feet of ascent. The race will start this year at the Ben Venue car park (Grid Ref 506 069), at 1pm. Click here for a more detailed overview of the course, profile and for the detailed map with annotations. You must use the detailed map for navigation.
The route is a mixture of paths & open ground. You will require the ability to navigate on the open hill. There will be marshals at key points around the course and the paths on the lower section will be marked.
The race starts at the car park (Grid Ref 506 069), then over the 1st rise on a narrow path to join the water board road at Grid Ref 500 068. After approx 500m on tarmac, the route crosses the new bridge across Achray water, before climbing the excellent new walking paths through the forest up to Grid Ref 474 052.
After the gate, turn right and climb the shoulder to reach the summit of Ben Venue.
Follow the eroded muddy path along the ridge, heading generally westward, passing the cairn marking the walkers route down (Grid Ref 468 062).
Continue on the ridge following the old fence line, until a marshal will indicate the way down.
Descend across the open hill for 2km to the forest edge, picking up a landrover track (Grid Ref 483 051) for 500m heading back towards the walkers path that was used for the climb up through the forest.
Follow this route back down to the race start.
Bad Weather
If there is bad weather on the day, the race organiser will take advice from the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team, who will be out on duty that day – contingency routes have been planned, so please don’t be put off if the forecast isn’t ideal.
Questions?
If you’ve any questions, please e-mail benvenue@bellahoustonroadrunners.co.uk, or call Andy Birnie on 0141 237 3503.
Results
Previous years race results are in the archive here.
Updates
- We have added a detailed course description, maps, coordinates and checkpoint locations, on the Bella Ben Venue course description page. Click here for more detail.
- Detailed map (click) emphasised as required for navigation.