Beinn Eich

The walk up Beinn Eich, just outside Alexandria, takes you through proper Scottish hillside - nothing too technical, but it demands respect. The peak itself sits at 513 metres, which means the views across Loch Lomond and into the Trossachs aren't quite as dramatic as some of the higher neighbours, but they're generous enough on a clear day.

You'll spend roughly two hours on the hill if you're not dawdling. The path starts through woodland before opening out to moorland, and the whole thing feels less crowded than Ben Lomond, which matters if you're after a bit of peace. Families with older kids manage it fine - nothing technical, just steady climbing. Younger children might find it a slog, though.

Go in the morning if you can. Afternoon mist rolls in from the loch regularly, and waiting three hours for it to clear isn't anyone's idea of fun. Spring and autumn work better than summer when the midges get ambitious.

If you're staying at Inverbeg Holiday Park, only 3.5 miles away, this fits neatly into a morning's outing before lunch. Forest Holidays Ardgartan, a bit further out, makes a decent base too - the site has proper facilities and a shop that stops you from having to dash back to Alexandria for supplies. The broader area rewards wandering. It's proper Loch Lomond country, and Beinn Eich is the sort of walk that sits between "quick stroll" and "serious expedition".