Ben A'an

Ben A’an is one of the smallest hills to have its own name and reputation in Scotland, at only 454m, but its summit view over Loch Katrine and across the Trossachs to Ben Lomond and Ben Venue is disproportionately good for the modest effort required, which is why it’s known locally as the Trossachs’ mountain in miniature.

Loch Katrine below it belongs to Scottish Water, which leases the surrounding 9,597 hectares to Forestry and Land Scotland on a 150-year term, and the whole area sits inside the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. From the car park on the shore of Loch Achray, a clear, signed path climbs steadily north-east through forestry before crossing a burn and continuing up steeper, more open ground beneath the hill’s crags. There’s no scrambling on the standard route, but the final section is steep and loose in places, enough to make this feel like a small mountain rather than a stroll. Most walkers stop at the west top, which is the best viewpoint and the usual finishing point; the true summit beyond it has no obvious path and is rarely visited.

The round trip covers under 4km with around 357m of ascent, comfortably done in two hours including time at the top, which makes it one of the best value short walks in central Scotland: a real hill, with a real view, close enough to Glasgow and Stirling for a half-day trip. It doesn’t suit anyone wanting a gentle stroll despite the short distance; the steepness catches out people expecting an easy option because of the low summit height.