Beinn Dorain

The walk up Beinn Dorain from Crianlarich is straightforward enough that you won't need a guide, but the views across the southern Highlands more than reward the effort. It's a proper hill rather than a mountain - 1,289 metres if you're keeping score - but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a gentle stroll. The ascent from the A85 takes a couple of hours depending on fitness, and you're looking at around four hours for a full circuit. The route is well-trodden and cairn-marked, which means you won't get lost, though it can be boggy underfoot after rain. On a clear day you'll see across Loch Tay and towards Ben Lui. On a cloudy one, well, you'll be in the clouds. Families with teenagers who like a good walk will find it manageable. Younger kids might struggle with the distance rather than the technical difficulty. The peak itself isn't dramatic - no rock scrambling, no exposure - but that's rather the point. It's a hill for steady walkers, not adrenaline seekers. If you're staying at Tyndrum Holiday Park nearby, you could knock this out in a morning and still have time for a pub lunch in Crianlarich afterwards. Go midweek if you can avoid weekends when the car park fills up quickly. Spring and autumn tend to offer the clearest visibility, though summer is obviously warmer. Allow a full day if you're not confident with the pace.