Storm Clean-up: Many of our forests, especially in the east and south of Scotland, remain closed. Please plan ahead and check online before visiting.

Ben A'an

Ben A'an
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Where we are

Latest forest information

Forests all across Scotland have been seriously affected by recent storms. We are doing everything we can to make our forests safe for visitors, communities, forest businesses and our staff. However, many of our forests remain closed while others have significant diversions and access restrictions for the foreseeable future. Please keep safe and follow all closure notices and safety signage.

Take care on or around open water. Find out more on our Water Safety page.

Update 14 January 2022:

  • The car park expansion works at Ben A'an are now complete.
  • The work has seen the outline of the car park extension created and new stone and surfacing laid. 
  • Works have also been carried out in the existing car park area to provide improved parking provision.

Trail update:

  • Ben A'an has some fallen trees on the hillpath as a result of the recent storms. 
  • Walkers are able to gain access around these but some sections of the path are compromised
  • We are working hard to get these cleared in the coming weeks 

 

About

Climb the Trossachs' famous 'mountain in miniature'

Ben A'an's distinctive pointed summit is an iconic sight in the Trossachs landscape. Indeed, its name comes from the Gaelic for 'the small, pointed peak'.

There are panoramic views of Loch Achray from the car park at the foot of the mountain, while the views from the top encompass the nearby lochs and peaks and as far as the Arrochar Alps on the western shore of Loch Lomond.

Activities

Ben A'an hill path

Ben A'an may be a mountain in miniature but the path to the top is steep and strenuous. The summit is at 1,512 feet and it's a round trip of 4.5miles. With that in mind, it's an ideal first climb for budding hillwalkers. Find out more about the route at WalkHighlands.

Watch for wildlife

Keep your eyes and ears open as you explore the woods around Ben A’an. You might spot red and roe deer amongst the trees, or hear the chatter of a red squirrel in the canopy. You’ll probably hear the mewing call of a buzzard circling overhead or, if you’re very lucky, catch a glimpse of the much bigger golden eagle soaring above the peaks.

Facilities and access

Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)

The nearest public toilets, shops and places to eat are at nearby Trossachs Pier, on the shore of Loch Katrine.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Ben A'an are:

Payment options: Coin only

  • £1 for up to 1 hour
  • £3 for all day
  • £12 for minibus or coach all day 

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking pass available:

Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

More parking info

Getting here

The car park for Ben A'an is on the A821 between Kilmahog and Aberfoyle, 300m east of the turning to Loch Katrine.

Using SatNav?

FK17 8HY is the nearest postcode.

Get directions

Nearby forests

Looking towards Ben Venue over Achray forest

1
Ben Venue

Walk to a low-level viewpoint or begin your high hill climb

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Distance from 'Ben A'an': 0.17 miles
View over Loch Katrine to snow capped hills beyond

2
Loch Katrine

The classic Victorian loch and landscape

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Toilets
Toilets
Cycling
Cycling
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Shop
Shop
Bike hire
Bike hire
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Ben A'an': 0.55 miles
Large turreted house situated within green trees on the banks of a still loch.

3
Duke's Pass

A winding road through magnificent Trossachs scenery

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Distance from 'Ben A'an': 1.35 miles

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Email
enquiries.central@forestryandland.gov.scot
Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 2)
More contact information

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