Black Hill

Black Hill rises above Alexandria like a proper Scottish sentinel, giving you views across the Clyde Valley that stretch for miles on a clear day. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a solid, determined bump at 1,987 feet - but what it lacks in drama it makes up for in accessibility and honest reward.

The walk takes around two hours return from the car park, following a well-trodden path that climbs steadily without being punishing. You'll pass through moorland and patches of heather, and the views improve with every hundred metres gained. From the top, you can see right across to the Campsies and beyond - on a decent day, you might even catch glimpses of Ben Lomond in the distance.

It's the sort of walk that suits families with older kids and regular walkers who want a decent outing without needing crampons or serious scrambling skills. The path is straightforward enough, though boots are recommended after rain. Allow three hours if you're not rushing and fancy a proper sit-down at the top with a flask.

If you're based at Loch Lomond Retreat or one of the other parks nearby, Black Hill slots in nicely as a half-day expedition. Alexandria itself is only a short drive away, and you're perfectly positioned between Loch Lomond to the north and the broader Clyde Valley routes to the south. Go in the early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds, and check the weather forecast first - the view from up there deserves decent visibility.