Meall nan Tarmachan

The ridge walk across Meall nan Tarmachan isn't something you stumble upon by accident. It's a proper mountain expedition that demands respect, but the views across Loch Tay and down the glens make every steep bit worth it.

This isn't a casual stroll. The peak sits just under 1,000 metres, and the traverse across the Tarmachan ridge involves some genuine scrambling - particularly if you're tackling it in one go rather than bagging individual summits. The path climbs steeply from near Killin, and you're working for those views, but that's rather the point. On a clear day you can see right across to Ben Lawers and down to the loch stretched out below like a dark ribbon.

It suits hillwalkers with decent fitness and anyone wanting to escape the honeypot paths. You'll share the summit with far fewer people than Ben Lomond or Ben Lawers. Allow a good five to six hours for the full circuit, and start early - the weather turns quickly up here. The rock is scrambling terrain rather than technical climbing, but it's not a walk for families with young kids or anyone uncomfortable with exposure.

If you're staying at Loch Tay Highland Lodges nearby, this makes an excellent day's activity. The drive from Killin is minimal, and you can be on the hill within thirty minutes. Weather is your real enemy - go when the forecast promises visibility, not just dry conditions. A misty day up here is dispiriting.