Knockupple

The walk up Knockupple isn't long, but it's steep enough to remind your legs why they exist. This modest peak sits just north of Glasgow, within spitting distance of Loch Lomond, and on a clear day the view across the loch toward Ben Lomond justifies the huffing and puffing.

It's a proper hill-walk rather than a casual stroll - maybe 45 minutes up if you're moving at a decent pace, longer if you're stopping to catch your breath or take photos. The terrain is rough underfoot in places, so decent boots make sense. The summit itself is nothing fancy - just open moorland with bracken and the occasional stone marker - but that's rather the point. No crowds, no cafe, no nonsense.

Families with confident walkers will get on fine here. It's not technical climbing and the views from the top genuinely are worth the effort. Kids who enjoy being outside will find it satisfying rather than tedious. Those after a gentler afternoon, mind you, might find it a bit steep for what it is.

The real draw is how close this sits to Loch Lomond Retreat and the handful of other glamping spots dotting the area. Do Knockupple as a morning walk before settling into one of the pods for an evening by the water. Best tackled during drier months - the Scottish Lowlands aren't kind to boggy hillsides in winter.