Auchineden Peak

The walk up Auchineden Peak from near Glasgow takes you through proper Scottish countryside without the crowds you'd hit at Ben Lomond. It's a decent hill rather than a mountain - around 1,500 feet - so you're looking at a couple of hours up and back depending on fitness. The views across the Lowlands open up halfway, and on a clear day you can see why people bother with the climb.

This suits walkers after a straightforward outing more than families with small children. The path gets muddy and steep in sections, particularly near the top, so good boots are essential. No facilities up there, naturally, so bring water and something to eat. Most people allow three to four hours door-to-door if you're staying at one of the glamping spots nearby - The WHW Hotel & Campsite sits just 3 miles away and makes a logical base.

Going in autumn or early spring gives you better odds of dry ground and clear views. Summer weekends attract more traffic on the lower slopes. The peak itself is unremarkable - a cairn and a trig point, nothing theatrical - but the isolation appeals if you're after a break from the manicured park experience. Worth fitting in alongside Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod or Duncan Family Farms if you're doing a walking holiday in the area. It's the sort of hill that reminds you why the Scottish Lowlands deserve more attention than they get.