Walking Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: The Lomond Trossachs National Park, Glen Artney, Ben Lui and the Cowal peninsula. (Cicerone Guides)

The hills and glens of the Trossachs and Loch Lomond make up Scotland's first national park. They are the first of the Highlands, and easiest to get to, if approaching from the south. They are also first in the affections of many hill-goers. Slightly less savage than the mountains further north, on a slightly smaller scale, they have a rugged charm that's all their own. This book suggests the most straightforward routes to each of the area's 21 Munro summits of 3000ft (910m) and over, but also seeks out the wilder and less walked-on ways around the back. It also covers the many slightly smaller but equally worthwhile hills in the area, from the Cobbler to the Luss Hills and Ben Ledi. As commercial plantations are cleared to reveal native oak and pine and open water, the national park is steadily improving as a place for lower-level walks as well.With their easy access, convenient shops and accommodation, and public transport by road, rail and water, these slightly less daunting mountains make an excellent introduction.