Beinn Dearg

The walk up Beinn Dearg from Callander takes you straight into proper hill country without requiring mountaineering skills or an early start. This isn't a technical climb - more a solid, rewarding trek that rewards the effort with views across the Trossachs and back towards the Stirling plains. Most people allow three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath or admire the vista.

The path itself is straightforward enough in decent weather, though it can get boggy underfoot after rain. You'll pass through woodland at first, then emerge onto open moorland as you gain height. The summit sits at just over 2,000 feet, so you're not dealing with serious alpine conditions, but bring proper kit - it's exposed up top and the weather can turn quickly.

This is the sort of walk that appeals to anyone who fancies proper exercise without the scrambling or technical rope work. Families with teenage kids will manage it fine; younger children might struggle with the sustained gradient. It's also excellent for walkers staying at either Callander Woods or Keltie Bridge - both parks are perfectly positioned for tackling the Ben, and you'll be back in time for a late lunch or early dinner.

Go mid-week if possible. Weekends bring crowds from Callander itself, and the small car park fills up. On a clear day, it's genuinely brilliant. On a grey one, it's a slog.