Mullach Buidhe

The walk up Mullach Buidhe rewards you with proper Highland views despite the modest height - it's only 821 metres, but don't let that fool you. From the summit near Lochearnhead, you can see across Loch Earn to Ben Vorlich and further towards the Trossachs. The route climbs steadily through mixed woodland before opening out onto moorland, and the final push up bare hillside takes about three hours from the car park.

It's brilliant for families with older kids and serious walkers looking for something less crowded than Ben Ledi. You won't need technical gear, just decent boots and the usual Scottish weather kit - it gets windy up there. There's a free car park at the trailhead, and the whole outing takes four to five hours including breaks.

The real charm is how few people tackle it compared to the bigger peaks. August and September are cracking times to go when the light's sharper and midges are less vicious. If you're based at Callander Woods or Keltie Bridge, both just under six miles away, this makes an excellent half-day adventure before heading back for dinner. Skip it if you're after a casual woodland stroll - this needs proper effort. But for hillwalkers wanting genuine Highland air without the Ben Nevis crowds, it's absolutely worth the drive from Lochearnhead.