It's amazing how quickly it goes from being light into the evening to being dark before you finish work now. The hills of Scotland tend to be pretty empty just now but get out there on a clear, crisp frosty morning and you'll wonder why everyone is staying away. Of course the answer is that it starts getting dark half-way through the afternoon.

So at this time of year you need some hillwalks that are easy to get to and quick to do. If you are coming from central Scotland that limits how far north you can go, but here's a few off the top of my head.

Ben Vrackie near Pitlochry
Pitlochry is only half an hour north of Perth and the ascent of this corbett is just 640m. With the classic Moulin Inn for a fine late lunch by a roaring fire at the start/finish point, it's a great short hill for this time of year.

The Lomond Hills, Fife
Ignored by many hillwalkers, the Lomond Hills provide a good walk and fantastic views. I once had someone say to me "there are no hills in Fife". I beg to differ. This is where I started out many years ago, as did another resident of Fife, JHB Bell, author of Bell's Scottish Climbs. There is plenty of adventuring to be had in the Lomonds.

The Cobbler
If you're on the Glasgow side of the country, The Cobbler, or Ben Arthur is a classic. Fairly high in that you are starting from sea level at Arrochar, but close enough to the central belt that travelling time is minimal.

Ben Lomond
Another quickie from west Scotland, Ben Lomond is many people's first Munro. Rowerdennan is quick to get to and the climb is uncomplicated.

Ben Ledi
Another sub-3000 ft hill, just outside Callander, Ben Ledi is a fine hill. Go up the main route, but once at the top, follow the ridge north and drop off from that side back to the glen. Makes for a fine round trip.

Those are just a few off the top of my head. Please do comment with any other ideas.