Whin Hill

The walk up Whin Hill from Helensburgh isn't long, but it's steep enough to catch your breath - and that's precisely the point. This modest peak sits above the Clyde, offering views that punch well above its 350-metre height. On a clear day you're looking across to Ben Lomond and down the water towards the Rosneath peninsula. It's the sort of place where the effort feels properly rewarded.

What you're actually climbing is a trigonometric station - a surveying point with a small stone pillar at the top. Doesn't sound thrilling, but walkers and peak baggers tend to love it. The path itself isn't technically difficult, though it's boggy in places and the final push is a bit relentless. Allow an hour each way if you're not rushing, maybe 90 minutes with photos and sitting about at the top.

This works brilliantly as a half-day walk if you're based at Rosneath Castle Caravan Park nearby - close enough to do before breakfast, far enough that you actually feel like you've done something. It's not a family stroll, mind. Young kids will find the climb tedious, and there's no toilet, café, or flat bits to fart about on. But for walkers keen on Scottish views without the five-hour schlep, it's well worth the detour from Helensburgh. Go midweek if you can - weekends can get a bit busy for somewhere so small.