Arthur's Seat

The walk up Arthur's Seat from Arrochar is genuinely steep - there's no disguising that. You're looking at a proper lung-burner if you tackle it from the base, though the views across the Arrochar Alps make every puffed-out breath worthwhile. The peak itself sits around 884 metres and commands the whole valley, with Loch Long spreading out below and the surrounding ridges closing in all around you.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. Families with young kids will struggle with the gradient and loose scree near the top. Experienced hikers treating it as part of a wider Arrochar circuit will find it rewards the effort properly - visibility permitting, you can see for miles. On a clear day the perspective over the surrounding peaks justifies the grind.

There's no entrance fee and no facilities at the summit, so bring water and decent boots. Allow three to four hours for the round trip from the car park depending on your fitness. The best window is May to September when the weather's most reliable.

If you're based at Forest Holidays Ardgartan Argyll or Loch Lomond Holiday Park, Arthur's Seat slots into a proper walking weekend. Combine it with a circuit of Ben Lomond or The Cobbler - you're in genuine Highland terrain here. The peak itself can feel busy on summer weekends, so midweek or shoulder season visits feel considerably more peaceful.