Ben A’an Walk: Your Ultimate Guide (SEO optimized)
Positioned within the coronary heart of the Trossachs, Ben A’an is a famend hillwalk that gives breathtaking panoramic views of the encompassing Scottish Highlands. This final information goals to offer hikers of all talents with invaluable data and insights to take advantage of their expertise on the Ben A’an path. From sensible tricks to gorgeous highlights alongside the best way, this information will guarantee you might be well-prepared and impressed for an unforgettable journey by way of the rugged great thing about the Trossachs.
I’ve now performed the Ben A’an stroll twice (my most hiked stroll in Scotland!) each from completely different beginning factors for the reason that second time I attempted to do that Scottish hike, the automobile park was full so we discovered one other, fully abandoned path.
Whereas it’s not a quiet path to do in Scotland, and never the only option when you’re trying to get away from individuals and extra into the wilderness, it’s no surprise that this path will get tremendous busy because it’s such a simple stroll in Scotland with nice bang on your buck!
Ben A’an’s distinctive pointed summit is an iconic sight within the Trossachs Nationwide Park panorama, and the views from the highest are really panoramic. From the automobile park on the foot of the mountain, you possibly can already see gorgeous views of Loch Achray, and from the summit, you possibly can see so far as the Arrochar Alps on the western shore of Loch Lomond on a transparent day.
From the summit of Ben A’an, you’ll get superb views of Loch Katrine Trossachs and close by hills, together with Ben Venue and Ben Ledi. It’s a really worthwhile stroll and its superb views for little effort have even led to Ben A’an being described as a “mountain in miniature.”
Under, I’ll share every part it’s good to know earlier than doing the Ben A’an stroll, together with the way to hike Ben A’an from Loch Katrine if the standard automobile park is full.
In search of less difficult walks close to Loch Lomond? Try The Whangie stroll!
How one can get to the trailhead for Ben A’an
Ben A’an is close to the gorgeous city of Callander in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park.
The automobile park for Ben A’an is situated on the A821 between Kilmahog and Aberfoyle, 300m east of the turning to Loch Katrine. You’ll be able to simply attain the automobile park by automobile.
I take advantage of comparability websites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to ebook my automobile leases because it’s simple to test costs and evaluate the most effective offers!
The automobile park on the regular trailhead for Ben A’an shortly will get full on a pleasant day. Even in early March, the automobile park was full after we turned up and so I think about it will get very full through the summer season!
If that automobile park is full, don’t be tempted to park alongside the street because it’s prohibited and might result in getting a parking ticket which isn’t good to return again to. Parking on the street additionally prevents emergency autos from accessing the world if wanted.
You additionally must pay for parking right here and also needs to for a minimum of three hours’ price of parking time. You’ll be able to pay with the RingGo app which I extremely advocate on your go to to Scotland since so many automobile parks use this. It’s also possible to pay with cash or by card.
It prices £1 for 1 hour or £5 for all day to park at Ben A’an’s automobile park.
If the automobile park by Ben A’an is full, you possibly can strive parking at Loch Katrine which has a a lot greater automobile park and comparable parking charges. You’ll be able to see the way to hike up Ben A’an through a a lot quieter path through the main points under.
What to know earlier than doing these Ben Aan walks
Along with checking the climate for Ben A’an listed here are a number of different issues you need to know earlier than making an attempt the stroll to Ben A’an.
- At all times observe go away no hint ethics and pack out something you are taking with you.
- Persist with pre-existing trails to keep away from eroding the panorama
- At all times pack layers and waterproofs – that is Scotland in spite of everything!
- Inform somebody the place you’re going and once you count on to be again.
- Be sure you stroll along with your 10 necessities.
Navigating whereas on the path: Yow will discover this hike on AllTrails which is my regular go-to for planning my hikes, navigating, checking path situations and, if climbing solo, ensuring others know I’m protected. The OS Map app is likely one of the greatest climbing apps for trails within the UK and is rather like having a whole bunch of OS maps in your pocket!
Information to the way to do the Ben A’an Stroll
How one can do the Ben A’An stroll
To hike Ben A’an from the standard route, you’ll need to cross the street from the automobile park (detailed above) after which comply with the signposts which level you uphill.
Nowadays the path has steps which make it a bit much less boggy and simpler to climb however you need to nonetheless count on your coronary heart fee to extend!
The path begins by heading up the observe, and when it swings left, take the trail instantly forward amongst the timber.
The Ben A’an stroll is a bit steeper right here and also you’ll must cross a tumbling stream through a footbridge.
The path then follows a small stream and gently climbs into previous woodland, finally resulting in a clearing the place you’ll see the summit of Ben A’an for the primary time.
From the clearing, the ascent continues upwards earlier than crossing the stream as soon as extra, this time through a stepping stone.
The timber start to skinny out right here and also you’ll attain a felled space of the forest.
Benefit from the superior views as you possibly can see the summit of Ben A’an forward of you!
The climb to the summit could appear daunting at first, however from the clearing, the trail is constructed of huge boulders, making it simpler to navigate.
You’ll acquire peak shortly for the ultimate summit push by way of or up and over the massive rocks.
When you attain the highest, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the gorgeous Scottish panorama, together with Loch Katrine, Ben Venue, Arrochar Alps, Ben Lomond, Loch Achray, and close by Ben Ledi.
When you’ve taken within the views from Ben A’an, you possibly can retrace your steps again to the automobile park.
Strolling up Ben A’an from Loch Katrine
If you happen to’re unable to park on the predominant automobile park, another choice is to hike to the highest of Ben A’an from Loch Katrine.
You’ll be able to park up within the automobile park and pay for parking earlier than starting your stroll across the right-hand facet of Loch Katrine.
Utilizing a mapping app like OS Maps, AllTrails+ or following a route like my one on Strava (under), preserve a watch out for a faint path going up by way of the forest in your proper. Look out for a number of massive blocks of concrete that you need to use to step up into the forest.
When you’re within the forest, comply with the fence posts till you come out of the timber.
Hold following the fence posts till you get to some extent the place you possibly can see the path crossing to your proper and going over a small stream. From right here, it’s only a matter of following the path up in direction of Ben A’an.
You’ll come out to a gathering level with the opposite path earlier than turning proper and summiting the ultimate few metres of Ben A’an.
Bear in mind that this route might be fairly boggy, so it’s advisable to put on good climbing boots or path trainers.
When you’ve taken within the gorgeous views from the summit, you possibly can comply with the path again all the way down to the loch and your automobile.
Stats for the Ben A’an hike
Ben A’an regular route
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Ben A’an stroll time: 1-2 hours
- Issue: Simple-moderate
- Elevation: 348 m
- Trail map on AllTrails+
Ben A’an from Loch Katrine
- Distance: 5.5 km
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Ben A’an Issue: Simple-moderate
- Elevation: 382 m
- My Ben A’an map on Strava
What to pack for Ben A’an Scotland
What to pack for this hike relies on what season you’re climbing in.
- Try my day hike packing record right here.
- If you happen to’re climbing in summer season you need to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every part within the 10 necessities for climbing record.
- Right here is what to put on climbing in scorching climate
- Try this publish on the most effective leggings for climbing or what to put on climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- If you happen to’re climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there may be quite a lot of snow you’ll most likely want snowshoes.
- You also needs to take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally vital in addition to a good backpack to maintain every part in.
- You also needs to pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for climbing!
- Planning a climbing date? Try what to put on on a climbing date however nonetheless look cool.
Remaining ideas on the Ben A’an stroll
Mountaineering Ben A’an is a rewarding expertise that gives gorgeous views of the Scottish Highlands, overlooking Loch Katrine and Loch Achray, with far-reaching views to close by hills together with Ben Venue and Ben Ledi.
The Ben A’an stroll is sort of simple and also you’ll get superb views from the summit for what’s a comparatively simple stroll of about 1-2 hours.
Although busy and a preferred hike within the Trossachs Nationwide Park close to Loch Lomond, you may also hike Ben A’an from Loch Katrine which is a quieter extra rugged path to the summit and a superb various if the standard automobile park is full.
FAQs about strolling Ben A’an
The place is Ben A’an?
Ben A’an is situated within the coronary heart of the Trossachs, close to the picturesque shores of Loch Achray. You’ll be able to attain it by automobile through the A821 from both Callander or Aberfoyle, each providing a scenic and dramatic journey. The pathway to the summit might be seen on the map, with a marker indicating the height.
Is Ben Aan a tough climb?
Ben A’an takes a comparatively brief time to climb. The return stroll to the summit is lower than 5km and might be accomplished in 1-2 hours. Though it’s fairly a steep climb, the steps put in make it simpler to navigate and even when you’re not notably match it must be achievable.
How lengthy does it take to climb Ben Aan?
The return journey up and down Ben A’an takes about 1-2 hours.
Is Ben A’an a munro?
No, Ben A’an isn’t a munro. The Ben A’an peak is barely 461 m or 1,512 ft and to be a munro it neds to be a minimum of 3000 ft.
Hannah began That Adventurer after graduating again in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to metropolis breaks in Europe, a 3 month street journey throughout the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years dwelling in Canada, you’ll discover posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in energetic journey and on That Adventurer you’ll discover climbing, strolling, biking, snowboarding and all types of energetic journey guides to help you see a vacation spot in an adventurous approach.
Now again in Europe, you’ll discover new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the subsequent 12 months ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and locations in between.
The Final Information to the Ben A’an stroll within the Trossachs, Scotland is a complete article that gives detailed data for hikers planning to embark on this gorgeous path. With its majestic views, reasonable problem degree, and well-marked path, the Ben A’an stroll is a well-liked alternative for outside lovers searching for a memorable expertise within the picturesque Scottish panorama. Encouraging correct preparation, the information emphasizes the significance of applicable footwear, climate consciousness, and packing necessities. It additionally highlights key landmarks alongside the best way, such because the Loch Katrine and Loch Achray, providing hikers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the great thing about the Trossachs Nationwide Park. General, this information equips readers with all the mandatory data to take advantage of their journey to Ben A’an.
