traveldk.com

Superlative trout fishing in scenery to match. Walk into the hills with lunch and tackle, and find your own secluded loch from a choice of over fifty.

A grouping, in fact, of seven peaks overlooking lochs Awe and Etive. The highest is 1,124m (3,688 ft) and because this summit is considerably taller than any other mountain in the area, Ben Cruachan enjoys some of the most extensive views in the country. The name “Cruachan” comes from the war cry of the clan Campbell.

The most northerly munro, with its neighbour, Foinaven. Rising starkly from the woods and moorland around Loch Hope, Ben Hope (927 m/ 3,040 ft) has clear views to the Orkneys. The only difficulty in climbing is the scree and rocky terrain, but this is a prestigious mountain to have underfoot.

Rising proudly from the wooded banks of its namesake loch, Ben Lomond’s tall mass dominates the panorama. One of the smallest munroes at 973 m (3,192 ft), it has a well-used track, which is steep in places. Tremendous views over the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Best to start at Rowardennan, where there’s a hotel and hostel.

Britain’s second-highest mountain, at 1,309 m (4,295 ft), is best climbed from the Cairngorm Ski car park. Reached by a high-altitude plateau covered in sub-arctic flora, it overlooks the magnificent Lairig Ghru, a deep rift dividing the Cairngorm range.

Britain’s highest mountain at 1,343 m (4,410 ft). A long, winding path takes you up to the top. The summit is seldom clear of cloud, but if you strike it lucky you’ll enjoy unsurpassed views. In poor visibility take great care on the summit ridge as it’s easy to lose the path, which borders a precipice.

A great one to start with as there’s nothing complicated about this hill, which overlooks Loch Earn, always bustling with boat activity. Take the southern road and start from Ardvorlich. From the top (985 m/3,232 ft) the views to the Breadalbane mountains are glorious. And it doesn’t take long to get down for tea in St Fillans.

The city’s magnificent gardens are especially noted for their glass-houses, packed with exotic plants. Foremost among these is the curved iron framework of the Kibble Palace. A wonderful oasis of palm trees, ferns, orchids and begonias is found inside (see Botanical Gardens) .