Cochno Hill

The walk up Cochno Hill from Stirling takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the views across the Forth Valley are absolutely worth the effort. You're looking at proper rolling farmland stretching out towards the Ochil Hills, with Glen Devon cutting through it all like a green seam. On a clear day you can see right across to Ben Lomond in the distance - the kind of view that makes you forget you're barely three miles from Glasgow's sprawl.

It's not a dramatic peak by Scottish standards. The summit sits at just over 1,100 feet, and the climb is straightforward rather than technical. That said, it's popular with families and walkers who want something genuinely rewarding without the commitment of a proper mountain expedition. The ground can be boggy after rain, so decent boots matter more than you'd think.

What makes it worth the trip is the solitude. You won't find crowds here like you would on Ben Ledi or Dumyat further west. The paths are well-trodden but never feel overrun. There's something quietly satisfying about standing on the summit and realising you've got half the Lowlands spread beneath you, and barely another soul for miles.

If you're staying at The WHW Hotel & Campsite just up the road, this makes an obvious morning or afternoon outing. Allows two to three hours all-in if you're meandering. Free to access, naturally - it's just a hill. Spring and autumn are best; summer brings the midges to the boggy bits.