Aird Luing

The walk up Aird Luing isn't long, but it's steep enough to make you work for the views. You're looking at roughly 40 minutes up from the car park on the Isle of Luing - that's the wee island south of Oban connected by a causeway - and the reward is a proper panorama across the Firth of Lorn. On a clear day you can see Mull, Jura, and the Paps of Jura sitting on the horizon like something from a postcard.

It's a straightforward hill walk rather than a scramble, which means families with older kids and regular walkers will get on fine. The path itself is reasonably well-trodden, though it can be boggy in patches depending on the weather. Allow about an hour and a half there and back if you're not rushing. The real pull here is the view - it's the sort of place that makes you understand why people bother living on Scottish islands at all.

Luing itself is quiet. You won't find much in terms of facilities on the island, so bring water and something to eat. The nearest proper town is Oban, which is your supply run point. It's worth combining this with Sunnybrae Holiday Park just across the water - that's your base sorted - and if you're keen on kayaking, Argyll Kayaker Cove is right there too. The walk takes maybe two hours total, so it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon stint. Free, naturally. Best visited when the weather's playing ball and the midges aren't out in force.