Blairdenon

The walk up Blairdenon rewards you with views across the Forth Valley that stretch for miles. It's not a towering Highland peak - the summit sits at a modest height - but the visibility from the top makes it feel far more significant than the map suggests.

The route itself is straightforward enough for most walkers, though you'll want proper footwear since the ground can be boggy, especially after rain. Budget an hour or so for a steady climb, depending on your fitness. It's the kind of walk that satisfies without demanding technical skill or a full day's commitment.

The real draw here is the perspective it gives you on Stirling itself. You're close enough to the town to pick out landmarks, yet far enough away to feel genuinely removed from it all. On a clear day - and you'll want to pick one - the views across central Scotland are proper rewarding.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might find it a bit of a trudge with no dramatic views to excite them until the top. History types will appreciate the strategic vantage point, though there's not much interpretation on the ground itself.

If you're based at Witches Craig or Craighead Howf, both within easy reach, Blairdenon makes a cracking half-day outing. It pairs well with exploring Stirling's town centre afterwards. Free to walk, no facilities on the hill itself, and best tackled in dry conditions. Go on a settled afternoon rather than chasing dramatic weather.