Arrochar

The mountains crowd in from every direction here, turning what could be just another loch-side village into something far more dramatic. Arrochar sits at the head of Loch Long, hemmed in by some of Scotland's most imposing peaks - the Arrochar Alps as they're known locally, though they're actually part of the Southern Highlands.

Those crags aren't just for show either. Ben Glas looms directly overhead, while the jagged outline of The Cobbler (Beinn Damhain to give it its proper name) dominates the western skyline. Proper hill walkers come here for the challenge - Stob an Fhithich and Beinn Damhain are classics, but you'll need your wits about you on the scrambles.

The village itself is small but perfectly formed. A few shops, a decent pub, and that's about your lot. But honestly, you're not here for retail therapy. The real draw is getting up into those hills, or simply sitting by the loch watching the light change on the water.

Getting here is straightforward enough - it's about an hour and a half north of Glasgow on the A83, following the shores of Loch Long through some properly spectacular scenery. The West Highland Line doesn't quite reach Arrochar, but Tarbet station is close by if you're coming by train.

Camping or caravanning nearby makes perfect sense. You'll want an early start for the bigger peaks like Cnap Mor or Meall Mòr, and there's something rather satisfying about falling asleep to the sound of water lapping against the shore after a day on the hills. Plus, midweek especially, you'll have those mountain paths largely to yourself.