It has only been fairly recently that I started trying to find trig points. It gave me a reason to get outside and keep active – to me it’s like a treasure hunt! Since then, I’ve found quite a few and enjoyed learning about these structures and their purpose. I’ve whittled down my top five favourites, if you’ve never visited one before I’d recommend going to one or all of these!

5. Kessick Ord – North Kessick

This trig point can be found at Ord Hill forest park which features a circular walk through woodland. Following the circular walk, you will pass the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. Nearby to this is the trig point which could easily be missed as it’s hidden within the trees. I think this makes it feel even more special when you find it!

What makes this one of my favourites?

The view of Inverness! I don’t think you realise how high up you are until you see the Kessock Bridge. I also loved how hidden away the trig point was.

4. Ardmore Point – Cardross

You could easily pass this place not knowing there’s a lovely circular walk where you can see a lot of wading birds. This is probably my most visited trig point as it’s just sat next to the path – it may surprise you just how visible it is! Ardmore Point juts out quite a bit so you have a better view over to Greenock and Port Glasgow.

What makes this one of my favourites?

It’s easy to get to but that doesn’t mean it’s compromised on quality of walk. As it’s circular the walk doesn’t get boring – in the autumn you can go there to find brambles.

3. Lendrick Hill – Dollar

Coming back from a weekend away, I noticed a trig point nearby which led us to a small parking area just off the road where you can start the walk to Lendrick Hill. The path took us through a forest where there was signs as otherwise I think we may have missed the main path. The route then opens up as you get closer to the hill. From the top you can spot the Forth Road bridges.

What makes this one of my favourites?

I loved the walk through the forest and then the view of the Forth Road bridges from the top – there were good views from every angle up there.

2. Clach MacKenny – Rosneath Peninsula

Peaton Hill nature reserve is a gem of a place. Found it by chance one day and it’s been somewhere I’ve come back to so many times. The trig point is a decent walk away but it takes you up past the reserve and onto a gravel path where you walk alongside Loch Long. The trig point is off the main path so it can feel like a little secluded spot when you get there. You’ll see over to Dunoon on a clear day.

What makes this one of my favourites?

On a sunny day when the water of Loch Long is shimmering blue, it feels like you’ve been transported to a national park across the pond. I think this is such a lovely part of Scotland and it’s super quiet!

1. Loch Garbad – Isle of Arran

This is a pretty special trig point because a) it’s on the beautiful Isle of Arran and b) it was difficult to find! It was a super warm day (for Scotland) and I thought I was never going to actually get to it as it’s hidden away in a forest which doesn’t really have a specific path into it. Starting at Eas Mor waterfall, you’ll spot a sign for Loch Garbad just as the path starts to circle around the waterfall. Following this route brings you eventually to Loch Garbad which we had all to ourselves. There was a picnic bench where we appreciated the peace and then ventured off to actually find the trig point. This one felt like a proper journey especially as we weaved around trees and then suddenly a smudge of glistening white came into view – we found it!

What makes this one of my favourites?

On the way to this trig point, you pass a waterfall with views of Pladda. You get to see Loch Garbad, and the trig point looks really impressive as it’s just hiding there. On the way back, you can also see the library at Eas Mor.