Meall Dubh

The walk up Meall Dubh is a solid day out from Glasgow if you've got decent weather and a proper pair of boots. It's not a dramatic mountain - more of a stocky hill, really - but that's rather the point. The path's straightforward enough without being dull, and once you're at the top, the views across Stirlingshire open up nicely. You can see for miles on a clear day, which isn't guaranteed in Scotland, but worth banking on.

This is proper hill-walking country rather than a casual stroll. The ascent takes a couple of hours depending on fitness, and you'll want to allow three hours minimum for the round trip if you're moving at a reasonable pace. It works well for walkers who know what they're doing and fancy something achievable without scrambling or technical bits. Families with children who can handle a steady uphill slog will manage fine, though younger legs might find it a grind.

Going in the morning beats the afternoon crowds, and spring through early autumn keeps the ground reasonably dry underfoot. Winter's passable if there's no ice, but it does get muddy.

If you're camping at Milarrochy Bay - which sits lovely on Loch Lomond, just 5.7 miles away - Meall Dubh makes an excellent half-day excursion that doesn't eat into your whole schedule. It's close enough to justify the short drive, far enough away to feel like proper countryside rather than a park extension.