A'Chruach

The walk up A'Chruach isn't long, but it's got teeth. Starting from near Oban, you're looking at a proper wee hill that rewards effort with views across Loch Linnhe and towards the islands. On a clear day - and you'll need to wait for one - the panorama stretches from Ben Nevis eastward to the coastal ridges. The path isn't a stroll. It's steep in places, boggy underfoot, and the weather can turn on you faster than you'd expect on the west coast. Allow a solid hour and a half for the round trip if you're reasonably fit, longer if you stop to take it in.

This is a walker's hill, not a sightseeing tour. Families with young kids will find it tough going, and you won't see much between the trees until you're near the top. What makes it worthwhile is the sense of escape - A'Chruach doesn't pull in the crowds like the bigger peaks, so you often get solitude up there. It's the sort of ascent that feels like discovering your own thing rather than ticking off a box.

If you're staying at Oban Holiday Park just down the road, this makes a proper morning or early afternoon outing before heading back for food. Go in summer for longer daylight and better odds on dry ground, but expect wind regardless of the season. Bring waterproofs - always.