Parlan Hill

The walk up Parlan Hill is a proper little earner if you're staying anywhere near Arrochar. It's not a massive undertaking - more of a decent afternoon's work than a full day commitment - and the views across toward Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps are genuinely worth the leg work.

What you're looking at is a relatively straightforward hill walk starting from near Arrochar itself. The summit gives you a panoramic sweep of Loch Lomond and the surrounding peaks, which beats sitting in the car park taking photos of other people's views. The climb's steep enough to feel like you've done something, but not so brutal that you'll regret the whole thing halfway up.

This works brilliantly if you've pitched a tent at Beinglas Campsite or Loch Lomond Holiday Park - both are within touching distance. After a few days of lakeside lounging, the hill gives you proper legs again and a different perspective on the landscape you've been staring at from ground level.

Families with older kids will get through it fine. Younger ones might flag on the steeper sections, so come prepared with snacks and realistic expectations about pace. Go early morning to dodge the crowds and catch decent light for photos. The weather can turn quickly up here, so even on a promising forecast, pack a waterproof - it's that kind of hill.

Free to walk, naturally. Allow two to three hours return depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath and admire the view.