UKC

HI

I am looking for a suggestion on the most picturesque walks within say 1.5-2h drive from Glasgow.

My father who is 65 has decided to finally visit us here in Scotland after many many years, and I have a feeling this is his last visit (he is afraid of flying and it took a lot of convincing).

I got the love of mountains and hill walking from him, and want to show him a piece of Scotland.  He is used to Polish Tatras, but never really seen highlands here (apart from driving through Glen coe). However, this being a family visit I also want to make sure we all spend time together, with two of his young grandchildren.

Therefore I am looking for some picturesque glens or “open space” walks preferably away from noise, traffic etc. Somewhere with a feeling of wilderness and remoteness.

For a separate walk, without kids, I would also welcome a relatively easy hill (munro not necessary). Dad is fit in terms of stamina, he cycles 30-50kn daily, as long as it is a steady pace in not too difficult terrain.

Suggestions I am looking for are all about views.

Thank you.

The section of the West Highland Way between Bridge of Orchy and the Ski Centre at Glencoe is nice.  Its a good path and fairly flat after the first bit and would be fine for kids if they could handle the distance.

Ben A'an is a nice but relatively easy hill near Glasgow.

With the kids

The Whangie and Queen's view

or

Conic Hill

both overlooking Loch Lomond.

Cobbler without the kids, maybe Ben Lomond is easier terrain?

The Ochils and Campsie fells all good, easy access not huge hills and not crowded.

Ben Donich at the Rest and be thankful, nice wee Corbett, lovely views and not too busy, spray paint on the trig is a pity but I like it. Ben Aan in the trossachs has gorgeous views but can be very busy. The Cobbler is no1 though. 

Fiarach - graham near Tyndrum. Great views of the surrounding hills.

Beinn Bhreac-liath & Beinn Udlaidh, twin corbetts with a drop of c250m between then - great views of Beinn Dorain etc. and an interesting descent down a quartz band from Beinn Udlaidh, to the abandoned home at Invergaunan (off the B8074). 12km all in.

There's always Ben Donich too: great views of the Arrochar Alps, or The Brack via the Ardgartan forest (there's parking up at  the public end of the single track road at NN258010.

However, your dad sounds fit enough for Beinn an Lochain, one of the best hills close to Glasgow.

Have a look at the excellent WalkHighlands site - lots of walks from gentle strolls of a hour or so to mountain ascents all over Scotland. Each walk has a map, the profile, descriptions and photos.

Dave

You're spoilt for choice in a couple of hours of Glasgow. Here are a few obvious highlights, all well within 2 hours drive:

West Highland Way along the east shore of Loch Lomond https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=211

West Highland Way over Rannoch Moor https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=324

Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=74

The Cobbler https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=84

Ben Venue https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=436

Ben Ledi https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=91

Meall nan Tarmachan is a quick Munro with a high start - you don't have to do the full circuit described here (though I'd highly recommend it) https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=81

Ben A’an is a good one.

Pentlands and Arthur’s seat also in your range.

Birnam Hill at Dunkeld 

A wee day trip to the Isle of Arran. Breakfast on the ferry. Bus round to Goatfell path. Stunning coastal panorama of the Clyde. Back to wine port at bottom of path for a cold pint as you wait for the ferry bus back. Isn't this the classic Glasgow Hill day out?

Could you stretch a little further and do Glen Nevis?- right to very end, beautiful walk through the gorge and then into an almost alpine style meadow. Plenty of walks start from the same car park. You could also do Ben Nevis from the North Face car park, a bit longer than the mountain path but much more interesting than the tedious slog from the youth hostel that just does not do an amazing mountain justice.

Failing that something around Glen Etive? Make the most of it before the building work starts.......