Ben A'an Walk, the Trossachs
Location
From Aberfoyle follow the A827 crossing the Dukes pass & around the south side of Loch Achray. Follow the A827 for a few hundred yards ignoring the turn for Loch Katrine stopping at the car park on the right beside the Loch opposite the path thats signed Ben A'an.
Route
Cross the road and climb up the steep path through a forest of pine trees. Take care here if the weather is or has been wet, as the path can be slippery. Continue climbing keeping the burn on your right hand side until after around 15 minutes you reach a wooden bridge that crosses the burn.
Beyond the bridge the path meanders through the forest crossing a few streams on the way, then after reaching a clearing turns more steeply upwards once more, This is a good time to stop & take in the wonderful views behind you overlooking Loch Archray.finally leaving the trees behind which the path steepens leading up towards the summit .
At this stage there are rocky steps up the first part of the path, which make the ascent relatively easy, but the path changes to rough earth and loose stones as you progress upwards. Just before the summit ignore the path which turns steeply to the left, stay on the main path straight ahead as it levels out to give you spectacular views of Loch Katrine.
Follow the path as it winds around behind summit, eventually you reach the peak by approaching from behind.
Ben A'an is almost 1500 ft high & the views from the top of Loch Katrine, Ben Venue & Ben Ledi are well worth the climb.
Approximate distance & time
Distance 3 miles. It should take around two hours & 15 minutes to walk the route.
Facilities
Food & drinks are available at the Byre Inn a few miles to the west in Brig O Turk on the A821 (towards Callendar), otherwise you can choose from the numerous shops & pubs in Aberfoyle.
Hazards
Small dogs & young children might find the steeper part of the walk towards the top of the mountain difficult, even so they should be able to reach a high enough vantage point to make the trip worthwhile