Slackdhu

The walk up Slackdhu isn't long, but it's steep enough to make you feel you've earned the views once you reach the top. This Scottish peak sits near Stirling in the Lowlands, and on a clear day you get proper panoramic stuff - the Forth valley stretches out below, with glimpses of the Trossachs beyond. It's the kind of hill that doesn't take all day but demands proper boots and a bit of fitness.

Walkers will find this most rewarding. It's not a casual stroll for toddlers, but older kids who can handle a challenging climb will love the sense of achievement at the summit. The terrain is moorland and rock, so it's proper outdoorsy rather than manicured. Allow a couple of hours return from the car park, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - The WHW Hotel & Campsite is closest at just 1.4 miles away, or try Endrick Escape or Duncan Family Farms for something more upmarket - Slackdhu makes for a brilliant half-day adventure that doesn't eat into your schedule. It's the sort of peak you add on to a broader Stirling area trip rather than drive hours for on its own. Weather matters here, so pick a day when visibility is decent or you'll just be walking through cloud. Free to access, naturally, and no time restrictions. Go early to bag a parking spot.