The best walks and hikes in Stirling

The Ben Lomond and Ptarmigan Ridge Trail offers a demanding hiking experience, covering 8.0 miles (12.8 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2995 feet (913 metres). You can expect to complete this difficult route in about 4 hours and 57 minutes. As you climb, the path transitions from woodlands into more exposed, rocky terrain, characteristic of the Scottish Highlands. The ascent along Ptarmigan Ridge provides a consistent challenge, leading you towards the summit. From Ben Lomond's peak, you will be rewarded with expansive views across Loch Lomond and its numerous islands, stretching out to the surrounding Trossachs. The ever-present possibility of changing weather adds to the dramatic atmosphere of this high-altitude journey.

To prepare for this difficult hike, ensure you have proper hillwalking gear, including waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear, as conditions can change rapidly. The trail is easily accessible from the Rowardennan Hotel, which serves as a convenient starting point for your adventure. If you plan to undertake this route during winter months, be aware that challenging conditions will require specialized equipment such as an ice-axe and crampons for safety. Always check the local weather forecast before you set out, regardless of the season.

Ben Lomond stands as Scotland's most southerly Munro, making it a popular and iconic peak within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The trail offers a classic Scottish hillwalking experience, providing a true sense of the region's rugged beauty and expansive landscapes. Conquering this Munro is a rewarding achievement for hikers seeking a substantial challenge and panoramic vistas. The varied terrain, from sheltered woodlands to exposed ridges, showcases the diverse natural environment of this protected area.

Embark on the Ben A'an hike from Loch Achray, a rewarding 2.5-mile (4.0 km) route known for its "mountain in miniature" experience. You will gain 1051 feet (320 metres) in elevation over approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes, making it a difficult but worthwhile climb. The trail begins across from the Loch Achray car park, leading you through lush larch and pine forests before transitioning to rocky steps and a lighter birch forest. The ascent features two steep sections, with a flatter part in the middle to catch your breath, culminating in a steep, rocky push to the summit.

From the top, you are treated to incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the southern Highlands, including Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, and Loch Venachar, as well as nearby peaks like Ben Venue and Ben Ledi. While the path is well-marked and easy to follow, the sustained steepness and high rocky steps can be challenging, especially on the descent where gravelly sections might be slippery. Small children may need help with some of the taller steps, but the trail is generally considered suitable for families seeking a micro-adventure.

Ben A'an is one of the most popular hikes in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, celebrated for its immense summit views relative to its shorter length. It offers the diverse scenery of a larger mountain, from atmospheric forests to open moorlands and crags, without the extensive time commitment. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as red and roe deer, buzzards, and even golden eagles, which are sometimes spotted in the area.

The Ben A'an Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through varied Scottish landscapes. You will ascend 1108 feet (338 metres) over a distance of 4.0 miles (6.5 km), with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 43 minutes, making this a difficult route. The path begins by winding through lush forests before transitioning to a rocky ascent with steep steps, leading you to a summit that provides expansive panoramic views of Loch Katrine and the surrounding Trossachs.

When planning your visit, be aware that while the trail has seen recent improvements, some sections can still be muddy, especially in the lower forest areas. The upper, rocky steps can be particularly challenging and slippery when wet, sometimes requiring you to use your hands for balance. It is always wise to check weather conditions before you set out and wear appropriate footwear for a difficult hike.

Often referred to as a "mountain in miniature," this trail is a popular choice within Scotland's Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Beyond the main summit vista, you can also enjoy views of Loch Achray from various points along the climb, adding to the scenic appeal of the route. This makes it a memorable experience for its natural features and the sense of accomplishment you will feel upon reaching the top.

Embark on a rewarding hike along the Conic Hill & the West Highland Way trail from Garadhban Forest, a moderate route spanning 9.8 miles (15.7 km) with an elevation gain of 1342 feet (409 metres), typically taking 4 hours and 36 minutes to complete. You begin with a tranquil woodland ascent through Garadhban Forest, where paths are firm and well-defined, before transitioning to open moorland. The climb up Conic Hill is notably steep, featuring rocky steps and requiring careful footing, but it rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Loch Lomond, its islands, and the distant Ben Lomond.

This trail is generally considered moderate to hard, with the ascent of Conic Hill demanding good fitness and sure-footedness, especially on steep, rocky sections that can be tricky when wet or icy. While parts of the route through Garadhban Forest are accessible for various skill levels, the challenge increases significantly as you approach the summit. The path is popular and well-marked with the distinctive West Highland Way thistle emblem, guiding you along this well-trodden route.

Conic Hill is a prominent feature situated directly on the Highland Boundary Fault line, a major geological division separating the Scottish Lowlands from the Highlands, visible in the alignment of Loch Lomond's islands. This section forms a significant part of the iconic West Highland Way, Scotland's best-known long-distance trail. The initial forest environment also offers a peaceful experience, home to wildlife like roe deer and red squirrels, before you reach the breathtaking 360-degree views from Conic Hill.

Embark on a challenging 5.8-mile (9.4 km) hike around the Ben Ledi & Stank Glen loop, a difficult route that climbs 2348 feet (716 metres) and typically takes around 3 hours and 54 minutes to complete. This trail offers diverse terrain, from rough tracks and steep mountain paths to boggy sections, all while providing expansive views over Loch Lubnaig, Loch Venachar, and the wider Trossachs landscape. From the summit of Ben Ledi, you can see across the Forth Valley and towards distant peaks like Ben More on a clear day.

Prepare for a strenuous experience requiring good fitness and sure-footedness, especially on the steep and scrabbly sections with loose rock and gravel, particularly during the descent through Stank Glen. Navigation can be tricky in Stank Glen, so make sure you have a map to stay on track. The path to the Ben Ledi summit is generally well-maintained, but the glen descent is rougher and narrower.

Ben Ledi, the highest peak in the Trossachs, holds historical significance, having been featured in Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake." Near its summit, you will find a memorial cross dedicated to Sgt Harry Lawrie. Stank Glen, despite its name, is celebrated for its scenic beauty, featuring attractive natural landscapes and the wonderful cascades of the Stank Burn Waterfall. Keep an eye out for various birds like chaffinches and wrens, and enjoy the delightful wooded slopes, especially vibrant in autumn.

Explore the scenic Loch Ard & Rob Roy’s Cave loop from Milton, an easy hiking trail in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. This route covers 4.2 miles (6.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 321 feet (98 metres), typically taking around 1 hour and 51 minutes to complete. You will walk along tranquil lochside paths and through mixed woodlands, enjoying picturesque views of Loch Ard and glimpses of Ben Lomond on clear days. Keep an eye out for a lovely lochan adorned with water lilies in summer as you navigate the varied terrain, which includes both paved and unpaved sections.

This easy loop is suitable for nearly all skill levels, offering an accessible outdoor experience. While much of the path is easily accessible, be aware that some sections can be unpaved, gravel, or muddy, especially after rain. The trail is generally considered suitable for various fitness levels and can be comfortably completed in under two hours, making it a great option for a refreshing outing. Plan for comfortable footwear to handle the varied surfaces.

The trail is notable for its connection to the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, with a historical cave said to be one of his hiding places. As you hike, you'll also encounter the unique Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trail, featuring unusual art installations like

Embark on a challenging hike through the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park with the Ben More & Stob Binnein loop. This difficult 7.6-mile (12.2 km) route demands good fitness, featuring a significant 3961 feet (1207 metres) of elevation gain and typically taking around 6 hours and 3 minutes to complete. You will encounter varied terrain, from steep, boggy sections on lower slopes to rocky ground and scrambling as you ascend. From the summits, expect spectacular panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands, including Ben More's distinctive pyramid shape and Stob Binnein's shapelier outline, along with distant lochs and other peaks.

This trail is considered a hard hike, requiring sturdy shoes and some alpine experience due to its steep ascents and potentially vague paths. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as cold, wind, mist, and rain can increase the difficulty and boggy conditions. Winter hiking is only suitable for experienced hillwalkers with special equipment like crampons and an ice axe. The initial part of the ascent and the final return leg often follow farm tracks, but much of the route is remote and unspoilt.

What makes this loop particularly notable is the opportunity to bag two Munros, Ben More and Stob Binnein, in a single outing. Ben More is the highest Munro in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and its initial ascent from the A85 is famously steep, climbing approximately 1,000 vertical meters in just two miles. These are the highest hills around Crianlarich, with no taller summit anywhere south in the British Isles, offering a true sense of accomplishment upon completion. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare upland plant communities and diverse wildlife like red deer and golden eagles.