free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I did this beautiful walk last year and have been meaning to submit a report ever since - shame on me. It was the finest of summer's days. Very little wind, beautiful blue skies with shallow cumulus clouds kissing the higher tops and excellent visibility. Number one grandson lives in the North of Ireland and has done a little bit of walking there with his dad mainly in the Mourne Mountains. He was keen as mustard to climb a Scottish peak and so we elected for Ben A'an. I have been up Ben A'an on several occasions in different conditions and have never been disappointed - this occasion was no exception. On the morning of the walk we were up early to try to be first on the top that day. When we came over Duke's Pass I stopped to show him the mountain which by any standards is quite dramatic.
![Ruairi Ben An the target.jpg]()
- The target
Although it was after 9AM when we got to the car park we were surprised to be the first car there - whoopee! So we set off at a pace through the woods.
![Ruairi Ben An 015.jpg]()
- up through the woods
In no time at all it seemed we had got up to the little level area where we got a closer look at the Ben.
![the target again.jpg]()
- the target getting closer
Then it was off to the top in jig time - no flies on this lad. What a panorama and look at him on top of the world.
![Ruairi Ben An 046.jpg]()
- This is fantastic Grandpa - you're right there kid
The views all round are superb.
![Ruairi Ben An 071.jpg]()
- a wee sail on Loch Katrine
![Ruairi Ben An 072.jpg]()
- Magnificent Ben Venue
![Ruairi Ben An 081.jpg]()
- Dramatic looking Loch Katrine
![Sir Walter Scott sails out.jpg]()
- That boat again
Having looked all around our attention was taken by the 10 second slab. "Can you manage it Young un?" "No problem Grandpa". "Go to it then!!!". OK he went up the left hand side but did it in about a minute - well done. I didn't do it at all - I could but I just didn't want to.
![Ruairi Ben An 088.jpg]()
- up the slab
![10 second slab in 1 minute.jpg]()
- OK Call it a minute!
By this time the usual crowds were gathering so it was time for a hearty bite to eat - chocolate bars and irn bru of course and then it was time for home. The descent was easier than the ascent and we met loads of folk on their way up some of whom looked like a coronary was just round the corner - although I hope not - and we were soon at the foot of the hill.
![Back down at 12.29. No problem!.jpg]()
- Brilliant walk Grandpa
The family are visiting again this summer and this time we plan a couple of Munros - roll on!
