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.
Summary
The path is well-worn but is also very steep and rugged.
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1. Ben A'an has its own car park on the south side of the A821 close by the shores of Loch Achray. The walk begins across the road, where a sign indicates the start of a path which immediately climbs steeply close to the edge of the woods. The climb continues as the path heads deeper into the forest, close beside a tumbling stream.
2. The stream is crossed on a wooden footbridge and the ascend continues on the far side. At one point a rocky knoll to the left of the path has a bench and a good view back down to Loch Achray. Continue up the path which soon crosses the now small stream once more. Further on the denser part of the forest is left behind and there is an excellent view of the steep and pointed summit of Ben A'an rising ahead.
3. The climb relents briefly as the conifers are replaced with beautiful birchwoods. The path heads for the gap to the right of the seemingly unassailable summit pyramid (Ben A'an is well known for its rock climbing). The next section is steep and rocky as the last trees are left behind, but there are good views across to Ben Venue.
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 continuing a few steps ahead for the wonderful views of Loch Katrine. The path now leads fairly easily up to the summit area, with just one last rocky section.
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. 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.
6. The return walk is best made the same way - no real hardship given the excellent views.
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