THIS is the 100th Walk of the Week I've had the privilege of writing. It sounds a lot for a small country, but with the fantastic array of scenery in Scotland – from challenging mountains to gentle hills, stunning beaches to meandering rivers – I know there are still hundreds more.
So, in trying to choose one to celebrate the first century, I had much to ponder. Do I go off the beaten track? Pick a Munro? What about an urban walk? In the end I plumped for an old favourite. Ben A'an, above Loch Katrine, is justifiably one of the
most popular mini-mountains around. It is best viewed from the Duke's Pass, where its pointed summit rises above the tree line.
Although it is only a little over 1,500ft high, it commands brilliant views down Loch Katrine to the Arrochar Alps, over to Ben Venue, south to the Campsies, east to Ben Ledi and north to the mountains above Crianlarich.
The well-trodden route up is very steep but quickly offers the pleasant tumbling waters of Allt Inneir. Then, after some respite as the gradient eases, the rocky peak reveals itself fully. At this point some walkers are tempted to turn back. Don't. It is actually quite a short, extremely steep stretch to the top, from where you can enjoy the classic views. The best route down avoids the crowds – who usually return the way they came – and plunges across moorland and through mixed woodland. Take care here as it can be steep and there are many exposed tree roots and boggy patches.
At the bottom, however, you are rewarded with a pleasant stroll along Loch Katrine's banks and then a single-track road through more woodland – look left here for a final view of the great little summit you have climbed.
Full mountain gear is necessary due to the steepness, although anyone of moderate fitness should be able to complete the walk. Navigation skills and a map and compass are needed on the descent, especially if the weather is misty.
If you have any suggestions as to where I should go for the next 100 walks, please e-mail
ndrainey@scotlandonsunday.com, write in or phone (details in Spectrum, page 3).
Distance 41/2 miles.
Height climbed 1,250ft.
Time 31/2 to 4 hours.
Map OS Landranger 57.
Park A couple of miles west of Brig o' Turk on the A821 there is a Forestry Commission car park for Ben A'an, on the left. If you're travelling over the Duke's Pass from Aberfoyle, the car park is on the right a few hundred yards after the turning for Loch Katrine.
In summary Cross the road from the car park and follow a signed path on the other side. Climb steeply, veer left by Allt Inneir, cross it via a wooden footbridge and continue to more level ground, then into a clearing.
The path then climbs steeply again by a small burn which you cross before levelling off and doubling back to reach the summit.
Return to the point where the path doubles back and break off north. An indistinct path veers left (north-west) to reach a stile in a deer fence. Don't cross it but follow the fence down and, about 25 yards before a forestry plantation, go left, over a small burn.
A muddy path, indistinct in places, follows the fence down to a service road by Loch Katrine. Go left and follow the road to the Trossachs pier. Cross the car park and follow the single-track road beyond to a junction where you go straight ahead for a few hundred yards to reach the car park again.
Refreshments The Anchor's Rest, at the Trossachs pier by Loch Katrine, serves decent pub food but gets very busy. In the other direction there is the Brig o' Turk Tearoom or the Byre Inn, on the west side of the village.
While you are in the area Over the Duke's Pass, along the A821, is the David Marshall Lodge visitor centre (01877 382383,
www.forestry.gov.uk), just before Aberfoyle – a great place to see ospreys. It also has woodland trails and a tearoom. The big new attraction is Go Ape (0870 428 270,
www.goape.co.uk) – a collection of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and the longest zip slide in Britain, all among the trees.
From the Trossachs pier, the steamship Sir Walter Scott starts sailing along Loch Katrine in the summer; the Lady of the Lake does so all year round (01877 332 000,
www.lochkatrine.com).
The full article contains 771 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
