Meall na Feàrna

The walk up Meall na Feàrna from Crieff is a proper scramble, but the Perthshire views from the top make it worth every huffing breath. This 581-metre peak sits on the edge of the Ochil Hills, offering the kind of panorama that reminds you why people bother with Scottish hills at all - on a clear day you're looking across to Ben Vorlich and down to the strath beyond. It's not a technical climb, just a steady grind through moorland, taking most fit walkers about two hours up and ninety minutes down. The path is clear enough, though it gets boggy after rain, so proper boots matter.

Families with teenagers will enjoy it more than younger kids - there's no scrambling that'll frighten them, but it's long enough that primary-age children might start asking how much further. Experienced hill walkers treating Crieff as a base will find this a cracking afternoon outing, especially if you're staying at Loch Earn Leisure Park or Balquhidder Braes Holiday Park nearby. Both are well-positioned for exploring this corner of Perthshire.

There's no visitor centre or facilities on the mountain itself, so bring water and something to eat. The walk is free and accessible year-round, though winter snow can make navigation trickier. Morning starts are sensible if you want to bag the summit before cloud rolls in - which it does regularly around these hills. Allow a full afternoon, or half a day if you're moving quickly.