BEN LOMOND

host and driver is an amusing and informative kilted Englishman who takes us on an epic excursion into the moody and magnificent countryside.

After reaching 1,000ft we stop and declare Scotland could be the most beautiful country on earth, but then we climb to 2,000ft and all doubt disappears. The perfect whaleback of Schiehallion, one of our most beautiful Munros, is clad in sloping clouds in the near distance. We had to remember to pick our jaws up when we left.

The Mountain Safari culminates in a trip to a pleasant bothy, where there may or may not have been whisky and shortbread taken.

It’s £40 per person, but if you think about it that’s three trips to the cinema to see a clutch of movies you’ll forget in a few days, versus an extraordinary day in the mountains of Tayside.

Glen Lyon, stretching off to the west, was called “the longest, loneliest, loveliest glen in Scotland” by Sir Walter Scott, no less.

Although he might have added “but remember to bring gloves and sensible shoes if you’re up any of those hills”, too. A pair of city boy Adidas sambas just won’t cut it, I can assure you.

Nothing takes it out of you like mountain air – even if a Land Rover was doing all the work – so we return to Monty and the comfort of The Townhouse.

There’s only one question, then, and it was first posed by Rabbie 231 years ago.

Will ye go to the Birks of Aberfeldy?

SLIOCH

Translating as spear in Gaelic, this rocky slab can be seen if you’re travelling on the North Coast 500.

BEN CHONZIE

Accessible from the central belt, this Munro is the highest summit in the vast area of moorland between Lochs Tay and Earn

SCHIEHALLION

One of Scotland’s most iconic Munros is surprisingly one of its most straightforward, and it’s popular with novice baggers.

BRAERIACH

The Cairngorms rise from the Scottish pinewoods and feature an amazing array of dramatic, rocky corries. BEN LAWERS

A hugely popular climb, with the option of taking in another Munro – Beinn Ghlas – along the way. Scotland’s most southerly Munro offers spectacular views over Loch Lomond, so it’s no wonder it enjoys 30,000 visitors per year.

MOUNT KEEN

Scotland’s most easterly Munro rises above the great plateau of the Mounth, and is reached via Glen Mark.

BLA BHEINN

Located on the Isle of Skye, Bla Bheinn rises majestically above Loch Slapin. The climb is rewarded a view of Cuillin Ridge.

BUACHAILLE ETIVE MOR

One of a pair of Munro twins, along with Buachaille Etive Beag, this peak is simply referred to as the Bookle.

BEN NEVIS

The tallest peak on the British Isles, and hugely popular with climbers – although that doesn’t mean it’s easy.