Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Scotland's first national park sprawls across nearly 720 square miles of proper wild country - lochs, glens, mountains, and forest all crammed between Glasgow and the Highlands. You get Loch Lomond itself, the most famous of them all, but also Ben Lomond looming over it, the Trossachs peaks, and dozens of smaller lochs tucked into valleys most people never find.

Walkers absolutely own this place. The West Highland Way clips through here, Ben Lomond itself is a solid five-hour ascent with views that stretch to the Clyde estuary on clear days, and there's everything from flat lochside strolls to properly ambitious mountain routes. Birdwatchers will spot golden eagles if they're patient - I saw one circling near Ben An. Families can handle the lower walks around Loch Katrine or the paths near Balloch easily enough, though small kids might find the hills tedious.

The park is free to enter and access - you pay for car parks and boat trips if you want them. Allow a full day minimum; most people spend at least two or three here properly. Spring and early autumn are best - summer gets heaving with tourists, winter can be bleak though less crowded.

Stay near Balloch if you want lochside comfort, and Loch Lomond Retreat is right there if you're after a proper holiday park base. From here you're an hour from Glasgow but genuinely feel in the mountains.