Stob a' Choin

The walk up Stob a' Choin from Arrochar takes you through proper Highland scenery without committing to an all-day slog. It's one of those peaks that looks far more daunting from the road than it actually is - around 2,600 feet of straightforward climbing that most reasonably fit walkers will manage in under four hours return.

You start near the village and head into mixed woodland before the path opens up onto moorland. The views back down the valley toward Loch Long are genuinely excellent, especially in late afternoon light. On a clear day you can see right across the Lowlands. The summit itself is a small rocky outcrop - nothing dramatic, but the sense of having earned your vantage point is real enough.

Families with older kids who can manage a decent hill will find this rewarding without the commitment of Ben Lomond. It's bracing rather than technical, though the ground gets boggy in places and you'll want proper boots. Avoid the winter months unless you know what you're doing with snow.

The nearest accommodation worth considering is Beinglas Campsite about six miles away, though it's basic and reviews are mixed. Arrochar itself has a few cafes and the Arrochar Alpine Hotel if you need a post-walk drink. Start early and you'll likely have the path mostly to yourself - this isn't a honeypot route, which is half the appeal.