Ben A'An

[harkinchristopher]

After walking Ben Chonzie the day before and waking up to find we had somehow managed two days of cracking weather this weekend, we wanted to head out for a quick climb up this favourite where we knew we'd get some cracking views.

Although the normal route up is still technically closed, both the Ben A'An and Ben Venue car parks were full of cars with walkers heading up both routes.

Having not walked this one in a while, I'd forgotten how steep the first section of this was. The path had a lot of scree making it slightly slippy. Looking back, there were great views over Loch Achray and Duke's Pass in the background.

View back towards Loch Achray

Soon the summit came into view as the path began to level out before the final steeper 'stepped' section towards the summit. Despite stopping regularly to take in the view/take photographs, we still reached the summit in just over an hour.

Ben A'an

If I can put my 'moany' hat on for a second: the one downside to the great weather and short climb was how busy the summit was. I think being spoiled by being the only people at the summit of Ben Chonzie the day before made the business and noise of Ben A'An slightly different!

Summit, lots of people!

This really must be one of the most rewarding walks in Scotland for so little climb.

Lucky with the weather!

The descent to the car took less than an hour and all in was a cracking day out in the sun!

[Avocetboy]

Blimey! cannot believe your second photo and the absence of the trees. Looks so different.

[Chris Mac]

I'm heading to Callander tomorrow and with the weather due to be bad we were thinking of tackling Ben A'An instead of something bigger. I doubt we'll get the same amazing view you got but thanks for the report and pics anyway.

Hopefully the weather will prevent the summit being as busy as it was for you...

[Chunnification]

Thinking of taking my 5 year old up on Saturday. Did you use the diverted route or the regular route? Just wondering if the diverted route is any longer than the regular one and if the diverted route is easy enough to follow? Don't want to end up climbing Ben Venue!