NN5008 : Ben A'an from the South-east
Steep and strenuous hill walk

Ben A'an

454m Elevation
31m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN5008 : Ben A'an from the South-east

Colin Smith Photo source

Overview

Ben A'an is the 454 m rocky viewpoint above Loch Katrine and Loch Achray in the Trossachs. Its short standard walk is a steep, strenuous out-and-back from the A821 car park. This entry identifies the popular western top, rather than the higher rounded ground farther east.

Ben A'an: the rocky viewpoint above Loch Katrine

Ben A'an's familiar pointed western top is a 454 m viewpoint in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This page records that top at NN502082. Higher rounded ground lies farther east; it should not be confused with the location of the popular viewpoint. The catalogue records 31 m of prominence; Ben A'an is not a Marilyn.

The standard walk

Start at the public Ben A'an car park on the A821 by Loch Achray. Cross the road carefully and follow the main hill path through the woods and around the rear of the rocky cone. Return the same way. Walkhighlands describes this complete out-and-back as 3.7 km, with 340 m of ascent and 2–4 hours walking time.

The short distance does not make this a gentle stroll. The path climbs steeply, with steps and rocky sections, and the final viewpoint has steep ground nearby. Choose conditions and a pace suitable for everyone in the group; take extra care on the descent.

What you can see

Clear-weather views include Loch Katrine, Ben Venue and Ben Lomond, with Loch Achray and part of Loch Venachar visible in the other direction. Ben A'an also has exposures of foliated mica-schist, described by the Geological Society.

Other outings

A rough alternative circuit towards Loch Katrine is documented in older walking accounts. It uses less obvious paths, a deer-fence line, the shore road and a return towards the A821. It requires separate navigation and current-condition checks; it is not the standard way down. Loch Achray and Loch Venachar walks also need their own defined starts, links and returns. References to a trailhead near Tigh Mor do not establish public parking at the holiday property or a northern summit path.

Getting there

The paid FLS trailhead car park can be busy. The nearest postcode is FK17 8HY; FLS visitor information has current parking details. Trossachs Pier is the nearby location for public toilets, shops and food.

The year-round Trossachs Explorer bus stops at Ben A'an between Callander and Aberfoyle. Check Stirling Council's timetable for the day of travel and the journey home.

Before you set off

Check the weather and FLS notices. Wet rock, wind and low cloud can make the top more difficult. Snow and ice require different skills and equipment from a dry summer walk. Carry navigation, appropriate clothing and a headtorch, and be ready to turn back.

The name

The National Park Authority gives the Gaelic Am Binnean, meaning 'the pinnacle', and connects the modern anglicised name with Sir Walter Scott.

Explore routes near Ben A'an

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Loch Katrine: Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar

21.1 km ~5h 30m Moderate

View route

Loch Katrine: Brenachoile Point Shore Walk from Trossachs Pier

7.2 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Loch Ard Forest: Sculpture Trail and Little Loch Ard

6.9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Aberfoyle woodland wellbeing walk

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ben A'an from the A821 car park (out and back)

Start at the public Ben A'an car park beside Loch Achray (NN509070), cross the A821 carefully and follow the hill path through woodland and up the steep rocky ground around the back of the summit cone to the 454 m western viewpoint. Return by the same path to the same car park. Walkhighlands gives 3.7 km and 2–4 hours for this whole outing; the path is steep despite the short distance.

3.7 km Steep hill walk

Ben A'an and Loch Katrine circuit (rough alternative)

Historical route accounts describe the normal ascent from Ben A'an car park, followed by a north-west descent from the upper hill to a deer-fence line and a westward descent to the Loch Katrine shore road. The return goes south to Trossachs Pier, then along the A821 back to the original car park. This uses rough, sometimes boggy minor paths and road walking. Check the full itinerary and current path continuity before choosing it; it is not a signed easy circular route.

Rough, navigation-dependent alternative

Ben A'an with Loch Achray exploration (planning note)

Complete the standard ascent and same-way return to Ben A'an car park before any separate Loch Achray walk. There is no verified continuous flat shore circuit from this trailhead in the checked sources. The published Loch Achray Loop has a different start on the Three Lochs Forest Drive. Plan that walk and the link to it separately, including the return and any road sections.

Depends on separately planned extension

Tigh Mor access clarification (standard-route option)

Published descriptions referring to a start near Tigh Mor mean the public Ben A'an car park on the A821, opposite the hill path. Tigh Mor is holiday accommodation beside Loch Achray, south-east of the rocky top. The claimed northern approach from its car park is not a verified alternative, and visitor hillwalking parking there is not established. Use the public trailhead and standard out-and-back route unless a separate approach and parking arrangements have been confirmed.

Standard route is steep

Ben A'an with Loch Venachar (planning note)

Loch Venachar lies farther east in the wider Trossachs path network. A combined outing needs a defined connecting path, lochside turnaround and return to Ben A'an car park. Finish the standard hill walk, then plan any Venachar section separately using the Great Trossachs Path information and current mapping; do not assume a simple signed side trail from the foot of Ben A'an.

Depends on separately planned extension
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill

Elevation

454m

1,489 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

56.2426, -4.4188

NN502082

OS Map

57

Explorer: OL46S 365S

At the Summit

The compact rocky western top reached by the standard hill path overlooks Loch Katrine. Steep crags surround parts of the summit area. This 454 m viewpoint is distinct from the higher rounded ground to the east.

Terrain & Geology

Steep hill path stone steps and uneven rocky sections woodland and open hillside exposed summit rocks

Ben A'an has exposures of foliated mica-schist. These metamorphic rocks formed when older sediments were altered and deformed by heat and pressure during Caledonian mountain-building.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, the rocky viewpoint looks along Loch Katrine, across to Ben Venue and towards Ben Lomond. Loch Achray and part of Loch Venachar can also be seen from the upper hill.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The National Park Authority gives Am Binnean, meaning 'the pinnacle', as the Gaelic name and attributes 'Ben A'an' to Sir Walter Scott's anglicisation. It is also commonly explained as 'the small pointed peak'.

Historical Significance

Ben A'an lies within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Its modern name is associated with Sir Walter Scott in the National Park Authority's account of local Gaelic place-names.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Use the Forestry and Land Scotland Ben A'an car park on the A821 beside Loch Achray, about 300 m east of the Loch Katrine turning; nearest postcode FK17 8HY. Parking is charged and can fill at busy times. Check FLS for current charges and notices, and avoid obstructing the road or entrances.

Public Transport

The Trossachs Explorer (TEX), operated by Stirling Council, stops at Ben A'an between Callander and Aberfoyle. The year-round service relaunched on 29 June 2026. Check the council's current timetable and your return journey before travelling.

Nearby Facilities

There are no toilets at the Ben A'an trailhead. FLS identifies nearby Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine as the closest place for public toilets, shops and food. Check opening hours before relying on them.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep steps and rocky sections can be slippery when wet; take particular care on descent.
  • Keep back from crag edges around the rocky top, especially in strong wind or poor visibility.
  • The main path starts across the A821 from the car park; take care crossing the road.
  • Minor paths towards Loch Katrine are rougher and less obvious than the standard return; they can be boggy or obstructed.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow or ice can make the steep path and summit rocks substantially more serious and hide the route. Choose a lower walk if you lack the equipment and skills for the conditions. Allow for short winter daylight, check the forecast and carry a headtorch. Check for ticks after walking through vegetation.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben A'an?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben A'an through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben A'an?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben A'an search or of course create your own walk for Ben A'an

Can I organise a walk to Ben A'an?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben A'an.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben A'an?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ben A'an here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Ben A'an location map

Grid reference: NN502082

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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