A distinctively craggy mountain-in-miniature, Ben A'an is a great little viewpoint in the forested heart of the Trossachs, and justifiably popular. With a lot of scenery for only a relatively modest effort, it's an ideal hill walk for families.
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Height Profile
metres / Distance
miles
Detailed description
1
NN5094907016 Cross the road and take the obvious track uphill into the trees. Soon reach an area of felled forestry - it looks stark now, but the plan is to reforest this area with native trees. The rocky cone of Ben A'an is already visible ahead.
2
NN5053907930 The slope eases off briefly, and the path enters an area of more mature broadleaf woodland. Soon the trail cuts right to climb towards the gap to the east of the craggy summit cone. It's a steep, rocky ascent, but short-lived. Continue beside the burn to leave the woods and loop around the north side of the summit. A final short ascent brings you to the knobbly top.
3
NN5021608189 The high point is a nice little slabby rock outcrop, with a stunning view over Loch Katrine. The more observant might spot the fact that Ben A'an is really just an offshoot of the higher but otherwise nondescript summit behind (don't feel obliged to go there - I certainly haven't). Return the way you came.
Start/Finish: Pay and display car park just off the A821, NN509070
Nearest town: Callander
Terrain: A clear and well-made path throughout, with a steep climb near the top. The summit area is rocky, and the true high point of the hill is an exposed outcrop - take care with small children.
Yes it's a great wee mini-mountain with a stunning view and is a perfect intro for budding Hill walkers with no great difficulties and being not too far from the Central belt and it doesn't require 6-8 hours to do its only about 2 or 3 from bottom to top.
And there are many good short rock climbs there to at all grades and the odd classic.
Just to note that after a few pitches of climbing last summer with about 30m of bracken to push through I ended up with 11 ticks by the time I got home! I was in long sleeved top and trousers but no spray.
Never had a tick whilst walking Ben aan and very little vegetation on the walking path.
Yes it's a great wee mini-mountain with a stunning view and is a perfect intro for budding Hill walkers with no great difficulties and being not too far from the Central belt and it doesn't require 6-8 hours to do its only about 2 or 3 from bottom to top.
And there are many good short rock climbs there to at all grades and the odd classic.
Just to note that after a few pitches of climbing last summer with about 30m of bracken to push through I ended up with 11 ticks by the time I got home! I was in long sleeved top and trousers but no spray.
Never had a tick whilst walking Ben aan and very little vegetation on the walking path.