Barwood Hill

The walk up Barwood Hill rewards you with views across the Clyde Valley that stretch for miles on a clear day. It's not a particularly demanding climb - most people manage it in under an hour from the car park near Balloch - but the effort feels worthwhile when you reach the summit and can see right across to the Southern Uplands.

What makes it decent is the variety. You're not trudging up moorland the whole way. There's woodland at the start, then open hillside as you gain height, and the final push opens out properly. The path itself is well-trodden enough that you won't get lost, though it can be boggy in places after rain.

It's a solid choice for walkers who want something achievable without needing to be super fit. Kids will find it manageable too, though younger ones might need a bit of encouragement near the top. History buffs won't find much up there - there's no ruin or cairn of note - so go for the walking and the views, not the story.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Lomond Woods or Loch Lomond Retreat are both just a few miles away - this makes a cracking morning walk before heading down to the loch itself. There's something satisfying about bagging a proper viewpoint without it eating into your whole day. Allow a couple of hours return if you're not rushing, and aim for morning in decent weather when visibility is best.