Ben A'an
Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
Ben A’an is the Southern Highland’s quintessential mountain-in-miniature. Hikes to Ben A’an take you to a gloriously pointed apex with simply epic views to the tumultuous skyline beyond Loch Katrine. You’ll be pinching yourself that such a wonderful and easy to reach summit exists; it’s pure perfection for an exciting first foray into the hills for the kids. And all of this is right in the heart of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Walking routes to Ben A’an usually begin from the shores of either Loch Achray and Loch Katrine, ascending through picturesque woodland before hitting the hill’s rocky slopes. On the approach from Loch Achray, Ben A’an’s craggy pyramid beckons you onward, appearing much more a grand mountain than its height would suggest.
The quintessential Scottish mountain-in-miniature and a great adventure
After a few steep pulls, you’ll find yourself on the truly remarkable and effortlessly photogenic summit outcrop. Loch Katrine points the way to the Arrochar Alps, whilst the Crianlarich group dominates matters to the north. Nearby, the craggy bulk of Ben Venue rises above the gorgeous woodland that inhabits the foot of the loch. Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro, towers in relative isolation to the west.
Ben A’an’s modest altitude means that it is rarely out of bounds to hikers during the winter snows. The views of distant, snow-capped Bens, Stobs and Stucs are immensely stirring on those precious clear winter days.
Tips
Ben A’an stands at 1,491 feet (454 m) tall and is located between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. Although it is not particularly high, its position at the heart of the Trossachs makes it a truly wonderful viewpoint that has a special place in the hearts of so many people.
February 12, 2019
The hill hides its view until the last moment, stunning views across Loch Katrine
Awesome view .. even in bad weather conditions.October 13, 2018
Great little climb. Best to go up and down from the Ben A'an car park. If you come back down on the West side to Loch Katrine it is quite difficult due to steepness, boggy ground, fallen trees and over grown invisible path, keep to the left of the deer fencing and go down left side of plantation
July 31, 2019
Beautiful for sunset and sunrise, can camp at top. Good path. My 3-year-old has climbed it!
July 29, 2018
Way up is to do well with some condition. The way down the back is muddy and adventurous in the rain and requires good sure-footedness over steppe and man-high fern.
August 5, 2019
The sometimes really steep ascent is rewarded with magnificent views! For the descent, we chose an alternative route that is rarely used and is sometimes very impassable. But it offers beautiful nature.
Super nice views of mountains and lochs
Really very beautiful pictures and landscapes!August 28, 2019
A brilliant summit with marvellous views. We descended via the “adventurous” route via Loch Katrine. Don’t! 😄 Very boggy, very steep, very uneven. The walk along the shore of Loch Katrine is compensation.
September 16, 2020
Great view.
On the descent around the back through man-high ferns and partially sunk in the mud.November 8, 2020
Great route but on the return be mindful not many people go this route and its very awkward and almost dangerous at times specially if its been raining ....!
June 10, 2022
Very nice tour, good physical condition and third-party security required.
June 11, 2022
Fantastic vantage point with all-round views. However, many people know that.
July 26, 2022
Great trail, fantastic view!
I recommend to return the same route and not take the extension, because it was hard to find the track, lots of the soil was muddy/wet and for a large part you will walk alongside a metal fence.August 3, 2022
Fantastic vantage point with all-round views. However, many people know that.
July 26, 2022
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