Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro at 974 metres rising straight from the east shore of Loch Lomond with a summit view down the whole loch and across the Trossachs. The National Trust for Scotland cares for the mountain from lochside oakwoods to the crags, and the main path from Rowardennan is a steady climb of about four hours there and back, with the rockier Ptarmigan ridge as a return for confident walkers. The one-mile Ardess Hidden History Trail near the ranger base takes in the remains of a farming township and a thatched cruck-framed replica of the houses that stood here 300 years ago, and rangers lead guided walks in season. Reviewers praise the toilets, the loch beach and the views. Tips from visitors: the road from Drymen is single-track for 12 miles, the £5 car park at Rowardennan fills by mid-morning in summer, keep dogs on a lead for the livestock, and the summer waterbus from Tarbet lands nearby.