Smollet Monument

There's a rather austere stone column standing on a hillside near Balloch that most visitors to Loch Lomond entirely miss. The Smollet Monument commemorates Tobias Smollett, the 18th-century novelist and satirist who was born in the area - a proper literary landmark that feels oddly forgotten, even locally.

The monument itself isn't flashy. It's a tall obelisk, and the real appeal is the walk to reach it and the views back across the loch once you're there. The approach involves some fairly steady climbing through woodland, which takes the better part of an hour depending on your pace. It's not arduous, but it's not a casual stroll either.

Historically minded visitors will find this worthwhile, particularly if you have any interest in Scottish literature or 18th-century life. For families with young children, it's probably more effort than payoff - the monument itself doesn't tell you much, and the walk can feel long for little legs. Keen walkers should slot it into a longer ramble round the area.

The real strength here is location. Being just a couple of miles from Lomond Woods Holiday Park and Loch Lomond Retreat makes it an easy morning or afternoon detour if you're based in one of those parks. You're already in proper walking country, so adding this on doesn't demand much rerouting. Free to visit, naturally, and the views justify the climb. Go early if you want peace - this spot rarely gets crowded.