It is one of the most popular Munros – with tens of thousands of walkers reaching its top every year – in part thanks to its proximity to the Central Belt. But remember this is a strenuous day on mountain terrain, so be fully prepared before you set off.

The first section is through forestry plantation, although large areas are being felled to allow the regeneration of native species such as birch. When you leave this behind and come out into open countryside, be aware – particularly if you have a dog with you – that cattle and sheep graze on the lower slopes.

As you gain height, look left for a view of the dramatic outline of the Cobbler and behind to Loch Lomond and its many islands. Eventually you reach the gentle gradient over Sron Aonaich, and views to the east open out over Aberfoyle to the Ochil hills.

Wide zigzags take you on to the south-east ridge, and as you get close to the trig point, take advantage of a couple of places on the right where you can peer into the deep, craggy Coire a'Bhathaich – proving this mountain is not just a great lump to be toiled up.

Once at the summit (3,196ft), the views are terrific. Arran can be seen to the south-west, but it's to the north that the eye is drawn – a mountain panorama from the Arrochar Alps, right across the peaks of Crianlarich, the Lawers group, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin to Ben Ledi.

There is more evidence of the truly mountainous aspect of Ben Lomond as you descend along an extremely steep and narrow rocky path. Take great care here, especially in high winds, snow or ice.

When you reach the bottom, the terrain gets much easier as you go over Ptarmigan and down its very long, mainly grassy, ridge. The mountains are now behind you but the view of Loch Lomond as the day ends is worth taking time over as you drop down.

This circular walk can be done in either direction but the way described allows views to open up more quickly.

Distance 7.5 miles.

Height climbed 3,300ft.

Time 4 to 6 hours.

Map OS Landranger 56.

From Drymen, follow the narrow road to Rowardennan, about 11 miles away, past Balmaha, on the east shore of Loch Lomond. There is a car park next to a national park information point and toilets (just beyond the Rowardennan Hotel).

In summary: A waymarked path leads from the information point and loch, up through trees on the other side of a track. Cross a forestry track and keep going to a wooden kissing gate, which leads to open hillside. Carry on up the obvious, stony path and after a while go through another kissing gate and up to the flatter ground of Sron Aonaich.

The path leads to zigzags, which take you up to Ben Lomond's south-east ridge, bearing left to reach the summit and trig point. Continue over the summit, heading north-west, and follow a very steep path down the other side. At the bottom, the path bears left to go over Ptarmigan and then down its long, grassy ridge.

Eventually you go through a wooden kissing gate and continue to descend, steeply in places. Near the bottom, go through another kissing gate and drop down, bearing right to follow a burn to a track. Go left at the track and follow it for the last few hundred yards back to the car park.

Refreshments: The Rowardennan Hotel is the obvious place. Otherwise, try the Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha, or a few hundred yards further along the road is the Café Waterfront.

While you are in the area You could head to the Glengoyne distillery (01360 550254, www.glengoyne.com), which offers tours. It is on the A81, about two miles south of Killearn.