NEW lockdown limits may be restricting us all to staying within our own homes, but when it comes to getting outdoors for daily exercise there are few better places to explore than Helensburgh and Lomond.

The area is blessed with scenic spots, long and short distance trails and wonderful wildlife - and if you're willing to brave the west of Scotland winter then you could spend a good few hours outside with nothing but the weather, warm clothes, food and water to worry about.

We've picked out six of our favourite local walking routes for you to enjoy whilst adhering to the current Covid-19 guidelines:

1. Ardmore Point

Helensburgh Advertiser: Ardmore Point (Credit: Graham Christie)Ardmore Point (Credit: Graham Christie)

First up is Ardmore Point, off the A814 Cardross Road, just after the turn-off for Ardardan Estate heading towards Helensburgh.

Popular with dog walkers, this small peninsula offers breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde and is perfect for wildlife watching.

2. Tom na h-Airidh

Helensburgh Advertiser: Tom na h-Airidh (Credit: Adam Matheson)Tom na h-Airidh (Credit: Adam Matheson)

Looking down on the Gare Loch from above Helensburgh and Rhu, Tom na h-Airidh is well worth the two-three hour ascent.

The name is Gaelic for 'Knoll of the Shieling', describing the way in which the land was once used, and the trail can be accessed via the Hill House car park.

3. Ben Bouie

Helensburgh Advertiser: Ben Bouie (Credit: Graham Christie)Ben Bouie (Credit: Graham Christie)

At 313 metres (1,027ft), Ben Bouie - or Bowie - rewards walkers with stunning views over Loch Lomond and towards Ben Lomond.

Classed as a Marilyn hill, the summit can be reached from Craigendoran or by following the John Muir Way from the top of Sinclair Street.

4. Peaton Hill

Helensburgh Advertiser: Peaton Hill (Credit: Fiona Marshall)Peaton Hill (Credit: Fiona Marshall)

Peaton Hill features a community nature reserve on the Rosneath peninsula which is perfect for a fun walk with little ones.

5. The Duke's Path

Helensburgh Advertiser: The Duke's Path (Credit: Rebecca Robertson)The Duke's Path (Credit: Rebecca Robertson)

A bit further out the way, the Duke's Path can be found near Ardgartan, just past Arrochar.

Linking up with the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way towards Lochgoilhead, the route provides beautiful sights of Loch Long below.

6. The Cobbler

Helensburgh Advertiser: The Arrochar Alps (Credit: Mark Byles)The Arrochar Alps (Credit: Mark Byles)

For the slightly more accomplished hikers a climb up the Cobbler could prove to be the ideal remedy to escape all thoughts of coronavirus and lockdown.

Also known as Ben Arthur, the mountain is 884 metres (2,900ft) tall and is located at the head of Loch Long among the Arrochar Alps.