Ben A'an Walk

1.2 miles (2 km)

Ben A’an is a short but steep hill walk in the heart of the Trossachs, starting from the Ben A’an car park on the A821 beside Loch Achray. The well-used path climbs through woodland alongside a tumbling burn before emerging onto open hillside for the final ascent to the distinctive rocky summit at 454 metres.... The effort is rewarded with superb views over Loch Katrine, Loch Achray and the surrounding hills, including Ben Venue. The return follows the same path, making this a compact walk with some genuinely spectacular scenery. Allow around 2–3 hours, and take care on the steep, rocky sections, particularly in wet weather.
Walk Report October 28th 2026 By Andrew Campbell:
We parked at the Ben A’an car park (postcode FK17 8HY for your sat navs) on the A821 beside Loch Achray and set off across the road to pick up the path. Ben A’an looks like a proper little mountain from below, with its pointed summit rising above the trees, and I was keen to see the views from the top. It's only a short walk on paper, but the climb starts almost immediately, so there isn't much time to ease yourself in gently!
The path climbs through woodland, following a tumbling burn for part of the way. I really enjoyed this section, with the sound of running water among the trees and occasional glimpses back towards Loch Achray. There are some lovely little spots along the stream, and it was a good excuse to pause for a breather and look around. We spotted small birds flitting through the branches, although most seemed more interested in keeping out of sight than posing for photographs. The woodland is attractive, but the steady uphill climb certainly got us warmed up.
As we gained height, the trees gradually gave way to more open ground, and the distinctive rocky summit came into view ahead. The path becomes noticeably steeper here, with stone steps and rougher sections underfoot. I found this final part harder work than the short distance might suggest, and we took our time rather than trying to hurry to the top. There are a few places to stop and look back, and the views improve as you climb, with Loch Achray appearing below and the wooded hills of the Trossachs spreading out around it.
Reaching the summit was well worth the effort. At 454 metres, Ben A’an isn't especially high, but the rocky top gives it a much more dramatic feel than its modest height suggests. The view across Loch Katrine was the real highlight for me, with the long stretch of water winding between steep, forested hills. Ben Venue rises impressively across the landscape, and there are wonderful views over Loch Achray and the surrounding countryside too. I spent quite a while taking photographs and trying to pick out the different hills and lochs. It is one of those viewpoints where you almost forget how hard the climb felt on the way up.
The summit area is rocky and fairly compact, so we took care moving around and gave other walkers room to enjoy the view. It can also feel considerably colder and windier up here than it does beside the loch, so an extra layer is worth carrying even on a pleasant day. I could see why Ben A’an is such a popular walk: you get a real hillwalking experience and a tremendous panorama without needing to spend an entire day on the hills.
We returned by the same path, taking particular care on the steep stone steps and rocky sections. The descent was easier on the lungs but harder on the knees, and some of the roots and stones would be slippery after rain. As we dropped back into the woodland, the trees closed around us again and the burn became a familiar sound. Looking back towards the summit from lower down, I was surprised by how steep the final section appeared from below.
Back at the car park, we were pleased with what we'd achieved in a relatively short outing. Ben A’an is a fantastic little hill, with a challenging climb, attractive woodland and views that more than justify the effort. I'd recommend allowing a couple of hours rather than treating it as a quick stroll, wearing proper walking footwear and choosing a clear day if possible. The views over Loch Katrine and the Trossachs are the real reward, and this is a walk I'd happily do again.