An Cárr

An Cárr rises sharply above Cairndow, and the walk up is proper steep - we're talking calf-burning stuff that takes about an hour if you're moving at a decent pace. The summit's nothing fancy, just open moorland with views across Loch Fyne that genuinely do justify the slog. On a clear day you can see right down the loch towards the Cowal Peninsula, which beats staring at your phone.

This is walker territory, full stop. If your legs aren't up for climbing, give it a miss - there's no easy option here. Kids who can manage a couple of miles of proper gradient will find it rewarding, but anyone under eight is probably going to complain the whole way up. The actual peak itself is a bit bare, so don't expect a café or a viewpoint platform - just heather, wind, and the satisfaction of having earned that view.

Free to access, naturally. Start early if you're going in summer - the path gets busy on decent weekends and the light fades fast in winter. Allow three hours there and back from Cairndow if you're taking it steadily. It works well as part of a longer Argyll walking holiday based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Stucreoch is closest at just over a mile from the trailhead, making it a genuine no-fuss option if you're touring the area. The Cowal Peninsula has plenty more peaks if you get the taste for them.