Ben A'an

Summary

Ben A'an is one of the most popular amongst Scotland's smaller hills. Often known as the mountain in miniature, its position at the heart of the Trossachs makes it a truly wonderful viewpoint. The car park quickly becomes full on sunny weekends in summer, nearest alternative Ben Venue carpark 450m along A821 towards Aberfoyle.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

The excellent path has recently been rebuilt but the route is still steep.

Deer Stalking information

West, south and east of summit: managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Ben A'an car park off the A821.

Public Transport

Trossachs Explorer bus service from Aberfoyle and Callander.

Start Grid Ref

NN509070

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.7km / 2.25 miles
Time: 2 - 4 hours
Ascent: 340m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (124)

Stage 1

Ben A'an has its own car park (charge) on the south side of the A821 close by the shores of Loch Achray. The walk begins across the road. Head up the track, and when it swings left take the path directly ahead amongst the trees. This climbs steeply close to the edge of the woods. The climb continues, at one point crossing a tumbling stream via a footbridge.

Stage 2

The ascent now continues up the far side of the burn. Continue up the path which eventually crosses the now small stream once more, this time via a stepping stone. Further on the trees thin out as a felled area of forest is reached. The non-native conifers have been removed from this area and will in time be replaced by native trees. There is an excellent view of the steep and pointed summit of Ben A'an rising ahead.

Stage 3

The climb relents briefly and there is a great view of the pyramidal peak ahead. Keep straight ahead at a cross-paths junction. The path now heads into some older native trees, and then swings right, aiming for the gap to the right of the seemingly unassailable summit (Ben A'an is well known for its rock climbing). The next section of path is steep and rocky as the last trees are left behind, but there are good views across to Ben Venue.

Stage 4

Stay on the main path as it continues to ascend around the back of the summit. As it finally swings to the left it is worth detouring a few steps ahead for your first glimpse of the wonderful views of Loch Katrine. The path now leads fairly easily up to the summit area, with just one last rocky section.

Stage 5

The rocky summit of Ben A'an is a truly wonderful viewpoint, well repaying the modest (by hill-walking standards) amount of ascent needed to reach it. It isn't truly the a hill-top, as you can now see it is merely a prominent rocky pyramid on the side of the higher but uninteresting moorland summit of Meall Gainmheich, but it is Ben A'an that is deservedly known and loved by so many.

Stage 6

Almost the full length of Loch Katrine is in view, with Ben Venue rising above the magnificent woodland at the foot of the loch, whilst looking the other way is Loch Achray and part of Loch Venachar. Ben Lomond is the prominent summit away to the west.

Stage 7

The return walk is best made the same way - no real hardship given the excellent views.

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