Our first hike in the Trossachs was Ben Venue, an 8-mile round trip. We started after enjoying the arrival of the morning over Loch Ard at Pauline’s home, The Bridge of Chon House.

Oak forest near the Ben Venue trailhead.

Our goal, Ben Venue, 2,392 feet tall, is the more distant peak behind us.

A self-timed portrait.

On the way up, I was fascinated by the river that flowed into Loch Ard from Ben Venue. The trail follows it nearly the entire distance. It shrank audibly as we climbed, until it was just a series of trickles from the peaks. On the way down, I recorded it as it grew. From top to bottom, give a listen to the Flowing Waters of Ben Venue….

Triumphant Troy at the summit!

This is the Bridge of Chon…

…for which Pauline’s house is named.