Ballagan Glen

Walking into Ballagan Glen is like stepping into a completely different world - the trees close in, the Stirling traffic fades away, and you're suddenly surrounded by moss-covered rocks and genuinely wild woodland. It's a gorge walk that doesn't announce itself much, which is probably why it hasn't been trampled to death by tourist groups.

The burn tumbles through here, creating little pools and a genuine sense of drama without needing to be dramatic about it. You'll spot old stone walls and evidence of past industrial use - there's a bit of Scottish history baked into the rocks if you know what you're looking at. The walk itself is straightforward enough, though it does get muddy and slippery in wet weather, which in Scotland means most of the time.

Families with older kids will enjoy it more than toddlers - there's scrambling involved and uneven ground that demands proper attention. Serious walkers, however, might find it a touch tame if you're used to the Highlands. It's best tackled on a dryish day when you can actually see where you're putting your feet.

Glasgow's the nearest proper town, which makes this useful as a quick diversion if you're basing yourself at The WHW Hotel & Campsite just up the road. Allow an hour or so depending on how much you faff about photographing the greenery. Free to access, naturally - it's just a glen.