Ben A’an Walk
Ben A’an walk (Quite energetic and a wee rocky scramble near top)
Description
The view over the Trossachs and Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an is phenomenal for it’s height making this a very rewarding walk.
Cross the road from the car park to a path which climbs up steeply through mixed woodland and is soon accompanied by a burn on the right.
The path levels out after crossing the burn by a footbridge (a).
Just beyond the bridge after a short steep section a knoll on the left offers a good view over Loch Achray beyond the path you have followed to this point.
The path becomes very easy for a while and meanders through pines and deciduous forests beside the burn.
When it finally emerges from the trees the conical summit of Ben Aan is suddenly revealed ahead.
On the left there is a viewpoint looking over the Trossachs steamer pier.
A little further on is an open area at the foot of some stone steps. A large rock on the left is often used as a picnic table and a faint path leads off to to the left to the base of a steep rocky escarpment often used by rock climbers(b). Ignore this and continue toward the steps.
The 'easy' path now turns right and becomes more demanding with steep stone steps on a path with lots scrambly bits up loose rock. Where it becomes possible to cross the burn above a small waterfall, take the opportunity to cross as the right bank becomes difficult and overgrown. A path with some steps continues on the left bank. Follow this path to the summit, taking care on the rocky slabs just before the summit.
Pause occasionally to catch breath and enjoy the view back.
It generally takes about an hour to reach the summit though the super-fit can do it in half this time.
Description
| Distance Height Start Approximate time Parking | 2.5 miles 1491 ft 200 yards west of Tigh Mhor near Loch Achray 1 ½ - 2 hours Car park A821 near Tigh Mor opposite the track. |
The view over the Trossachs and Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an is phenomenal for it’s height making this a very rewarding walk.
Cross the road from the car park to a path which climbs up steeply through mixed woodland and is soon accompanied by a burn on the right.
The path levels out after crossing the burn by a footbridge (a).
Just beyond the bridge after a short steep section a knoll on the left offers a good view over Loch Achray beyond the path you have followed to this point.
The path becomes very easy for a while and meanders through pines and deciduous forests beside the burn.
When it finally emerges from the trees the conical summit of Ben Aan is suddenly revealed ahead.
On the left there is a viewpoint looking over the Trossachs steamer pier.
A little further on is an open area at the foot of some stone steps. A large rock on the left is often used as a picnic table and a faint path leads off to to the left to the base of a steep rocky escarpment often used by rock climbers(b). Ignore this and continue toward the steps.
The 'easy' path now turns right and becomes more demanding with steep stone steps on a path with lots scrambly bits up loose rock. Where it becomes possible to cross the burn above a small waterfall, take the opportunity to cross as the right bank becomes difficult and overgrown. A path with some steps continues on the left bank. Follow this path to the summit, taking care on the rocky slabs just before the summit.
Pause occasionally to catch breath and enjoy the view back.
It generally takes about an hour to reach the summit though the super-fit can do it in half this time.