Meikle White Hill

The walk up Meikle White Hill from the Stirling area is a proper little workout, but the views across the Lowlands make it worth the effort. It's not a massive peak - nothing like the Highlands proper - but it's got character and you can see for miles on a clear day. The climb takes about an hour depending on your fitness, and the path is straightforward enough though it can get boggy in wet weather.

This is one for walkers who want a genuine sense of achievement without needing mountaineering experience. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might struggle with the sustained incline. The views alone justify the climb - Glasgow sprawls in the distance, and you get a proper sense of where you sit in Scotland's geography from up there.

The nearest town is Glasgow, about 40 minutes away by car, though if you're staying near Loch Lomond - and there are several parks in the area including Loch Lomond Retreat just 4 miles off - you're perfectly positioned to add this walk onto a longer day out. It works well as a morning sortie before heading to the loch itself, or as part of a Lowlands walking circuit. There's no visitor centre or facilities on the hill itself, so bring water and check the weather forecast before you go. Allow two to three hours for the whole experience if you want to linger at the top.