Ben Vane

Ben Vane rises sharp and sudden from the Arrochar Alps, a proper mountain despite its modest 915 metres. You can see it from the road near Loch Lomond, all craggy ridges and steep grass slopes - the sort of peak that looks deceptively close until you're actually on it.

The walk starts near Arrochar village and climbs steeply through woodland before opening out onto moorland. It's relentless rather than technical - no scrambling required, just knees and determination. Allow three to four hours for the round trip. The ridge itself narrows towards the summit, which gives you that genuine mountain feeling despite the height. On a clear day, the views south across Loch Lomond to the central belt are worth every blister.

This is a hill for walkers with decent fitness and proper boots. Families with younger kids will struggle - it's too exposed and steep for a Sunday ramble. But if you've got teenagers who can handle four hours of climbing, they'll love it. The raw scenery beats many of Scotland's more famous peaks.

Timing matters. Morning starts avoid the afternoon mist that rolls in regularly. Weather changes fast up here, so check the forecast. The nearest proper base is Loch Lomond Holiday Park, just 2.7 miles away, which makes this a cracking add-on to a week in the area. Forest Holidays Ardgartan sits even closer to the Loch at 4.2 miles - ideal if you're doing several walks in the Arrochar Alps.