Glasgow

Towering peaks and ancient woodlands define this corner of Stirlingshire, where Loch Lomond's eastern shores meet the Trossachs foothills. The area feels properly Scottish - all brooding forests and craggy summits like Creag Mhor and Beinn a' Bhan that beckon hillwalkers year-round.

Inchcailloch island sits just offshore, accessible by boat and perfect for a gentle woodland ramble through oak and birch. The surrounding forests of Ardoch Wood and Scroggs Wood offer more challenging terrain, with paths winding up towards the higher peaks of Tom nan Oisgin and Binnean nan Gobhar. It's serious walking country this - proper boots essential.

Down by the lochside, the Tom Weir Statue pays tribute to Scotland's beloved outdoor broadcaster. The archaeological remains at Arrochymore tell older stories, though you'll need to know where to look among the bracken.

Getting here requires a car really - the nearest train station is Balloch, about 20 minutes south. The A811 brings you along Loch Lomond's eastern edge, with stunning water views most of the way.

Basing yourself at one of the area's holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this landscape properly. Loch Lomond Retreat gets consistently brilliant reviews and puts you right in the heart of the action. From here, you can tackle different peaks each day, explore the various woodlands, or simply enjoy the loch views. The glamping options like Duncan Family Farms offer a good middle ground between camping rough and hotel luxury, though book ahead in summer when the whole area gets properly busy with Edinburgh and Glasgow folk escaping the cities.