Ben A’an’s BIG Views
I was on my way back from a longer hiking weekend when I took a little hike up Ban A’an, a 461m hill not too far from Callander in Scotland. Despite its small stature (certainly not qualifying as a mountain in height terms) it has very mountain like scenery, terrain and massive mountain views.
Here’s how this little wander went.
| Hike date | 27th October 2025 |
| Weather conditions | Cold but clear |
| Distance hiked | 4.2km |
| Walking time | 1 hr 20 minutes (45 minutes up, 35 minutes down) |
| Elevation gain total | 385m |
| Terrain | Rocky for the most part |
| Hiked with | Solo |
Car Parking
Nice and easy in the Ben A’an car park right across the road from the start of the path. There are plenty of spaces here but I imagine they would fill fast on a weekend.From the car park exit you just cross the road and you’re on the path.Paths Up Ben A’an
The footpath on Ben A’an was so well maintained and offered up immense views back from the moment I got going.
The biggest stream crossing of the short hike up has a bridge across it. No wet feet on this hike!It’s a steep old start. But soon enough the path levels off just a touch and you get your first peek at the incredible pointed summit of Ben A’an ahead of you:
The short easing up in the gradient here was a great relief to my calves. But it was short lived. Before long things got steeper again (as you’d imagine for a short hike up a peak that steep).
There’s no actual scrambling or anything here but on parts closer to the summit you may need your hands just to steady yourself.But before long you’ll be nearing the summit and enjoying views of Loch Katrine opening up in front of you.Ben A’an Summit
The summit of Ben A’an is absolutely beautiful.
The views are utterly incredible from here.
I mean, just look at it!I had timed this one to perfection. I encountered no other people on the way up and I had the summit to myself for half an hour before I headed off back down. I did see quite a few people heading up as I descended though.It’s a gorgeous rocky summit presenting two loch views and views over neighbouring hills and mountains.Is Ben A’an Child Friendly?
Yes. For sure. I saw lots of children making their way up as I was descending. I would happily take mine up. It is NOT pram friendly though so any little ones not capable of walking it yet will need to be in a hiking carrier most likely.Would I do Ben A’an again?
Yes. Hands down. I will definitely be back here for a sunset I reckon. And I think it would be a beaut of winter hiking route too.The Video
Here’s a little video!@staceyhikes Ben A’an. What a glorious little hike this one was. The efforts to reward ratio on this one is pretty hard to beat. One of my favourite smaller hill hikes in Scotland this one. And what a gorgeous morning I got for it! #hiketok #solohiker #solohiking #walkitoff #scotlandtravel ♬ Beautiful Piano (Acoustic) – ProdByDave
