Yesterday i took the opportunity of having a few spare hours to climb Ben A'an. As you drive down the north side of the Duke's Pass in the Trossachs, Ben A'an is the little knobly bit you see ahead of you across Loch Achray. At only 461m i'm sure this hill is overlooked by many - but it shouldn't be. This is the perfect example of how the smaller hills can be every bit as good as the higher ones.

The ascent can be done in an hour by a fit walker but the views on route are that good it will probably take you longer. Starting from a dedicated car park (testament to the hill's summer popularity) by Loch Achray, you climb straight up through the forest before heading north-west with a deep wooded gorge on your right. The flora and fauna is great on this section. The burn is crossed higher up by a wooden bridge before the route levels out somewhat for a pleasant forest stroll. To the left of the path there is a really good viewpoint looking back down to Loch Achray.

On leaving the forest, the rocky butress of Ben A'an appears before you. It looks almost unclimbable but the path heads for the base of the east gully which is the crack in its defences. Before starting up the gully there are good views on your left to Ben Venue. The gully itself is easily climbed by steep steps and you emerge just to the east of the rocky summit cone. The route continues straight ahead before bending around to the left and climbing easily to the top.

The view down Loch Katrine from the summit is rightly described by many as one of the best in Scotland. Landscape photographers will be in their element! I returned (very quickly) by the same route.

I really cannot rave enough about this hill. It's steep enough to appeal to experienced hill-walkers. It's short enough to appeal to families or those new to hill-walking (or just those looking for a half day route). The views are good enough to make anyone want to come back again.