An Garadh

The walk up An Garadh from Arrochar is straightforward but properly rewarding. You're looking at around two hours to the summit if you know what you're doing, less if you dawdle - and you will dawdle, because the views open up quickly and demand stopping for photos.

It's not a huge peak by Scottish standards, but that's rather the point. The route bypasses the crowds you'd find on Ben Arthur just next door, yet delivers real mountain air and sightlines across Loch Long and the Cobbler's distinctive silhouette. On a clear day you can see right down the loch toward the coast. On a misty day, well, you're buying the experience blind.

This one suits walkers who want genuine altitude without needing ropes or scrambling experience. Families with older kids comfortable on steep ground will manage it fine. Expect about four hours total if you're not rushing and want to sit at the top for a bit.

There's no charge to climb - it's all on public access land. The nearest proper base is Arrochar itself, tiny as it is, though both Beinglas Campsite and Loch Lomond Holiday Park sit within easy reach for a longer stay. Beinglas is closer at under six miles and feels less manicured than Loch Lomond, which might matter depending on what you're after. Either works as a launching pad if you're planning to do the bigger peaks in the area too.

Weather here changes in about twenty minutes. Go early, take a map, and assume mist is coming.