The Brack

The Brack rises sharp and sudden above Arrochar, a proper hill rather than a mountain, and all the better for it. This 1,506-metre peak gives you that satisfying climb-to-view-ratio that makes a weekday afternoon hike actually worthwhile. The approach from the car park at Succoth is straightforward enough - you're looking at around two hours up, ninety minutes down if you know what you're doing. The views across Loch Long sprawl out as you gain height, and on a clear day you can clock Ben Vorlich and Ben Vane from the summit ridge.

Walkers will find this one more rewarding than casual strollers. It's not technical - no scrambling or exposure to worry about - but the path is relentless and boggy in places. Families with older kids (ten-plus) could manage it fine; anything younger and you're fighting an uphill battle, literally. Allow three and a half hours return if you're not rushed.

The real appeal is how it slots into a Loch Lomond holiday. Arrochar sits at the head of the loch, and you can string together a proper walking weekend: tackle The Brack one day, explore the easier woodland trails at Forest Holidays Ardgartan the next. Drimsynie Holiday Village over at Lochgoilhead is close enough for dinner plans. Park your car and spend the day on the hill. That's when you'll get why locals rate it.