Ben A’an

Ben A’an is a steep 2.3-mile (3.7-km) out-and-back from the A821 car park to the rocky 454 m summit above Loch Katrine, then back by the same path. The climb gains about 340 m, most of it in a steady push. Allow two to four hours for the walk and time on top. It is one of those hills that looks small on the map and mountain-like underfoot: the path is built and clear, but the ascent stays steep. The goal is the rocky pyramid known as Ben A’an, on the shoulder of the higher, less distinctive Meall Gainmheich. You get the view from the rock; there is no need to continue across the moor to a higher point.

Start at Ben A’an car park on the A821 and cross the road to the path. Follow the track; where it swings left, take the path straight ahead through the trees. It climbs steeply beside the woodland edge and crosses a tumbling burn on a footbridge. Climb the far side, then cross the smaller stream once more on a stepping stone. The repaired path has step-like sections, but the slope keeps rising. At the cross-paths junction, continue straight. The climb eases briefly, and a felled clearing reveals the pointed summit ahead. Non-native conifers have been removed here; the surrounding woods are part of the Great Trossachs Forest, a 16,500-hectare restoration partnership begun in 2007 and recognized as a National Nature Reserve in 2015. After the clearing, the path passes older native trees and turns behind the summit. It steepens and gets rockier as it leaves the last trees, with Ben Venue coming into view across the slope.

Near the top, the path swings left. A few steps off the main line give the first glimpse of Loch Katrine, then a final rocky section reaches the summit area. The destination is not a viewing platform: it is a rough rock pyramid on the flank of Meall Gainmheich, with uneven footing and steep ground close by. Take the last section slowly, especially on the way down. From the rocks, almost the full length of Loch Katrine runs away below, with Ben Venue above woodland at the far end. Turn around for Loch Achray, part of Loch Venachar and Ben Lomond to the west. For a photo, keep broken rock in the foreground and the long line of Loch Katrine behind it; that shows the scale of the view. Red and roe deer or red squirrels may be in the woods, and buzzards may circle overhead, but treat wildlife as a bonus rather than a promise.

Retrace your steps from the top. The steep descent and stream stepping stone deserve attention when your legs are tired. The pay-and-display car park is on the south side of the A821, opposite the walking start; it fills quickly on sunny summer weekends. Toilets, shops and places to eat are at Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine, a separate stop rather than a trailhead service. Dogs can come under Scotland’s outdoor access rules: keep them under close control, and close to heel or on a short lead through woodland and moorland during the usual April–July ground-nesting season. Forestry and Land Scotland also flags ticks locally; check for them after the walk.