Scout Hill

Scout Hill rises just outside Stirling and rewards a proper hike with views that stretch clear across the central belt. It's a modest peak - nothing that'll knacker you - but the climb takes you through decent woodland before opening out to panoramic views of the Forth Valley and beyond. On a clear day you can pick out the Wallace Monument and even catch sight of Ben Lomond in the distance.

This is one for walkers who don't need a mountain to justify the trip. The path is straightforward enough that families with older kids can manage it without drama, though the legs might get tired on the way back down. The whole outing takes about ninety minutes from the car park, so it's not an all-day commitment.

There's nothing fancy waiting at the summit - no café, no gift shop - just you and the view. That's rather the point. It's the sort of spot you'd tackle on a bright morning before heading into Stirling town centre for lunch, or squeezed in between other activities if you're staying at nearby Witches Craig Caravan & Camping Park.

Worth doing? If you're in the area and the weather's reasonable, absolutely. It's not dramatic enough to plan a journey around, but it's a solid local walk with proper payoff. Go when it's dry though - the path gets boggy and the descent becomes unnecessarily tricky.