Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve Office (National Trust for Scotland)

The visitor centre for Ben Lawers sits at the foot of Perthshire's second-highest mountain, and it's where you'll get the proper lowdown before tackling the peak itself. The National Trust for Scotland runs the office, dispensing maps, weather updates, and local knowledge that could save you hours of wandering about in mist. Ben Lawers rises to 3,984 feet with views across the Highlands that justify the slog - assuming conditions cooperate.

Most people use this as a functional stop rather than a destination in itself. You'll grab information, ask about trail conditions, maybe buy a guidebook. The real draw is what happens next: the mountain walk itself, which ranges from a gentle two-hour circuit of the lower slopes to a proper four-hour expedition to the summit. Families with younger legs can easily do the lower routes and still feel they've accomplished something. Serious walkers will be itching to get going.

The reserve itself protects rare alpine plants - Ben Lawers sits on lime-rich rock that supports flora you won't see elsewhere in Scotland. It's worth pausing to actually look at what's underfoot rather than just focusing on the mountain.

Killin is the nearest town, a ten-minute drive away, and if you're based at somewhere like Loch Tay Highland Lodges you're perfectly positioned for a day here. Admission is free, though donations keep the volunteers going. Allow at least thirty minutes at the office if you're doing the walk - longer if the weather's turning dodgy and you want proper advice.