A' Chrois

A' Chrois sits at 840 metres on the eastern edge of the Arrochar Alps, and it's one of those peaks that rewards you properly without demanding a full day's mountaineering. The walk from Arrochar village takes roughly two hours up, following a well-trodden path that climbs through mixed woodland before opening out onto moorland with genuine views across Loch Long and towards Ben Vole. On a clear day you can see right down the loch - it's the kind of vista that makes the leg-burn worth it.

The summit itself is modest - a cairn and a trig point, nothing fancy - but the position is excellent. You're high enough to feel you've earned it, low enough that fit walkers with children aged ten and up will manage it without too much grumbling. Descending takes a shade less time, though your knees will know about it on the steep sections. Allow four hours return, maybe five if the group moves slowly or you linger for lunch at the top.

It's a cracking add-on to a park holiday in the area. Both Loch Lomond Holiday Park and Forest Holidays Ardgartan sit within easy reach, making A' Chrois a proper day-walk from either base. Go mid-week in summer if you can - weekends pull crowds and the car park near Arrochar fills up fast. Spring and early autumn offer the clearest skies. No fees, no gates, no faffing about - just turn up and walk.