Craig Minnan

The walk up Craig Minnan takes about forty minutes if you're reasonably fit, starting from near Lochwinnoch and climbing through moorland that feels properly wild even though you're only a few miles from civilisation. It's not a scramble - more a steady hill walk on decent paths - but the views across the Clyde Valley and towards the Southern Uplands make every step worthwhile.

On a clear day you can see for miles. Walkers will absolutely love this, especially anyone keen on Lowland peaks without the commitment of a full day out. The summit itself is modest but the landscape around it tells the story - you're looking at moorland, farmland, and on the horizon, the serious hills beyond.

It works brilliantly as part of a longer walking day if you're based in the area. Lochwinnoch itself has the Barr Loch and plenty of countryside, so you could easily pair this with other walks in the same afternoon. The Pods at Auchenhean is only a few miles away and makes a good base if you're planning to explore the Renfrewshire hills properly.

Timing-wise, allow a couple of hours there and back depending on how long you linger at the top. Spring and autumn are best - summer can feel a bit muggy up there, and winter demands proper kit. It's free, obviously, since it's just a hill. Not massively dramatic, but solid and satisfying.