Beinn Dearg

The walk up Beinn Dearg from near Crieff is one of those Scottish climbs that rewards effort without demanding heroics. At 2,612 feet, it's properly manageable for anyone with decent fitness and a few hours to spare, yet the views across Perthshire justify every step. The summit gives you sight lines stretching west towards Ben Vorlich and south across farmland and lochs - on a clear day you can pick out Stirling Castle in the distance.

Most people approach from the south, parking near Ardtalnaig and following a path that climbs steadily through moorland. The terrain's boggy in places and can be deceptive in mist, so proper boots matter. Allow three to four hours return, longer if you're not a regular hill walker.

This works brilliantly if you're camping or caravanning nearby - Loch Earn Leisure Park sits just 2.8 miles away and makes a solid base. Glengoulandie Camping is another option at 3.5 miles. The walk itself is free, naturally, though you'll want to check access conditions before heading out.

Families with older kids (say, 10 plus) will find it rewarding rather than gruelling. Younger ones might struggle with the sustained climb and exposed ridge on the final approach. Serious walkers treating it as a training run will be done by mid-morning. The real pleasure here is the isolation - you won't see crowds, even in summer. Go midweek if possible, and pick a day when the cloud's not sitting on the summit.