panorama-of-loch-lomond-islands-and-surrounding-hills-covered-by-snow-with-gartocharn-village-and-farmland-in-foreground-seen-from-dumpling-hill

Wee hills with big views

Whether you’ve never climbed a hill in your life or are an experienced hiker and have bagged lots of Munros, here in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park we have plenty of wee hills that offer spectacular views in exchange for minimum effort and time. Here are a few recommendations for some unforgettable walks.

Inchcailloch Summit

stunning-islands-on-lomond-covered-by-forests-alight-in-autumnal-colours-seen-from-inchcailloch-island-summit — The islands of Torrinch, Creinch and Inchmurrin from the summit

Inchcailloch is a small island located on Loch Lomond and accessible via a boat from Balmaha. The island is part of a National Nature Reserve and boasts lovely woodlands, a chance to spot wildlife and fantastic views over the loch.

Beinn Dubh

Located on the west side of Loch Lomond, the Glen Striddle hills offer a fine hike from the village of Luss and to the highest point, Beinn Dhub at 657m.

Ben A’an

aerial-view-of-loch-clouds-and-mountains — Loch Katrine seen from the top

A recently-upgraded path easily leads walkers from a car park on the A821, on the banks of pretty Loch Achray, to reach the 454m summit of Ben A’an. Rarely taxing, although a little steep in places, the walk of around 4km might be short but it offers a surprisingly big experience.

Gouk Hill

Gouk Hill is a small but steep rise to the east of the town of Helensburgh and on the western edge of the National Park. The hill is 277m high and forms part of the Highland Boundary Fault Line and is a section of the long distance coast-to-coast walk, the John Muir Way, from Helenburgh to Dunbar, in East Lothian.

Conic Hill

Located on the eastern side of Loch Lomond and also on the Highland Boundary Fault Line, walkers leave the popular village of Balmaha for a short but fairly stiff climb to the top of Conic Hill, 361m high. The rewards come in the expansive views seen throughout the walk and from the top.

Dundurn – St. Fillans

dundurn-hill-covered-by-trees-against-larger-hills-background-in-saint-fillans-village — Dundurn Knoll

The rocky knoll of Dundurn might only be 112m high but it packs in a great deal of interest, both historic and scenic. A short walk to the summit starts from the village of St. Fillans at a stone bridge over the River Earn, at the eastern end of Loch Earn.

Ben Gullipen

The walk up Ben Gullipen starts from close to the popular tourist town of Callander on the A81 Glasgow Road. It comprises a hike upwards from around 60m above sea level to 414m so you should be prepared for a bit of a challenge but the path is good and easy to find.

Callander Crags

Above the town of Callander are high crags that offer a very pleasant walk first through woodland, then along the crag tops and to a cairn at 343m elevation. Many people also take in a visit to the stunning Bracklinn Falls*, a short walk up the road from the car park start point.

Benmore Botanic Gardens Viewpoint

view-of-firth-of-clyde-over-tree-tops-from-summit-of-benmore-botanic-gardens-in-cowal-peninsula — Views towards the Holy Loch

Follow waymarked paths at this fantastic viewpoint, which are set in woodland in the Eachaig Valley to the north of Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula. The gardens are famous for an amazing avenue of tall Redwood trees and a collection of rhododendrons, as well as many other plant species.

Strone Hill

Strone Hill overlooks the village of Strone and offers superb views over the Firth of Clyde and its sea lochs. On a clear day it is possible to see over to Arran, the Arrochar Alps and down the Clyde to Glasgow.

Creag an Tuirc

This high knoll overlooking Balquhidder offers superb views over the village and glen and is well worth the walk from the church and graveyard where Rob Roy is buried.