Ben An & Bracklinn Falls – Aug 2013 Once again the walking articles in the Reformer has encouraged two more people to venture forth. Including the two new ladies a party of 15 set off in good spirits, first on the agenda was ‘the best little hill in Scotland’ – Ben An. This hill is only about 1500 feet high however it seems a lot higher. The first part of the climb is a walk up through a forest, the trees helped to shelter the group from a couple of heavy showers. Eventually the party emerged into bright sunshine in a clearing with the summit looming almost directly above. The next part is a step ascent up a rocky staircase like path. This brings you out behind the summit and from there it is a short climb up to the top. As the top is reached you find yourself looking down on Loch Katrine, whilst the view was a bit hazy we were lucky enough to see the Sir Walter Scott approaching the Loch Katrine Pier. Lunch was taken on the top however this was cut short due to a heavy shower. During the descent the rain went off and the group were nearly dry by the time they reached the car park. After a short journey to Callander the group prepared for the second walk of the day. The walk was supposed to have been the Callander Craggs however the morning effort had taken its toll and the whole group decided to take the easier walk up to the Bracklinn Falls instead. This was a great way to end the day and fortunately the sun was shining the whole time. After a short refreshment break the group set off for home. Our two new recruits, Jean and Sandra thanked the group for taking them along, both said they had been made very welcome and that they would join us again for future walks.