Tom Beithe

Tom Beithe isn't a household name, but this modest peak near Alexandria rewards anyone keen on a proper hill walk without the crowds that plague Ben Lomond. Standing at around 2,300 feet, it's a solid afternoon's work from most directions - expect two to three hours up and back depending on your fitness and the path you choose.

The ascent itself feels genuinely Scottish; you'll work through rough moorland and bracken with views opening out towards Loch Lomond as you climb higher. On a clear day, the panorama from the summit sweeps across the Arrochar Alps and back towards the Trossachs. It's the sort of place where you'll see maybe a handful of other walkers, which feels increasingly rare these days.

This suits experienced hillwalkers and families with kids aged ten and up who don't mind a proper slog. It's not technical terrain, but it is real mountain walking - boggy in places, steep enough to demand steady legs, and completely exposed at the top. Bring waterproofs as standard; the weather turns fast up here.

If you're based at Inverbeg Holiday Park just down the road, Tom Beithe makes an excellent day out, though Forest Holidays Ardgartan and Milarrochy Bay are equally well positioned. The walk is free, naturally - there's no visitor centre or café, just the hill itself and whatever you bring with you. Start early to bag the best weather window, and don't underestimate how much time the descent takes on tired legs.