Meall nan Oighreag

The walk up Meall nan Oighreag is straightforward enough, which makes it a cracking introduction to the Stirling hills for anyone not wanting to bite off more than they can chew. The peak itself sits at a modest height, but the views across Loch Earn and toward the wider Trossachs landscape justify the effort - particularly on a clear day when you can actually see something rather than just cloud.

Lochearnhead sits right at the base of the approach, so there's no lengthy drive needed once you're in the area. The climb takes the better part of a couple of hours depending on fitness and how often you stop. It's the kind of walk where families with older children won't struggle, though younger ones might find it a bit of a slog on the way back down.

If you're staying at Balquhidder Braes Holiday Park - just a couple of miles away - this makes for an excellent half-day outing. The park itself is well-positioned for exploring the surrounding peaks, and Meall nan Oighreag serves as a good warm-up before tackling anything more ambitious. The terrain is rough in places, so proper boots are worth the bother rather than trainers. Winter can turn this into something altogether trickier, so spring through early autumn is genuinely the best window for a visit. It's free to walk, obviously, and you can tick it off your hill-bagging list without needing to book anything in advance or pay entry fees.