Ben A’an

The name comes from Gaelic for small pointed peak, and the shape lives up to it. The path climbs through forest onto open moorland and crags, and although the route has been rebuilt it is steep for most of its length, with a rocky final section to the top at 454m.

Reckon on about 4km there and back on the same path, 340m of ascent, and two to four hours. It's a short walk by hill standards, but it's a proper hillwalk rather than a stroll, so boots and a check of the forecast are sensible.

The rocky top sits on the flank of higher ground behind it, which does nothing to spoil the view. Nearly the whole length of Loch Katrine opens out with Ben Venue alongside it, Loch Achray and part of Loch Venachar lie the other way, and Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps fill the western skyline.

For photos, shoot along Loch Katrine as it stretches between the hills, using the rocks at your feet for foreground while staying well back from the drop. Save it for clear conditions.

The car park is south of the A821 by Loch Achray and the path starts across the road. It fills up on sunny summer weekends, so an early start helps. Bring your own food and water for the walk; the cafe at Loch Katrine is a separate stop.