Beinn nan Gabhar

The walk up Beinn nan Gabhar from the Isle of Mull isn't long, but it's steep enough to make you work for the view. Most people manage it in a couple of hours return, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath. What you get at the top is proper compensation - clear days offer sweeping views across the Sound of Mull and toward Ben Mor. It's the sort of peak that rewards hill walkers without demanding a full expedition's worth of kit and determination.

This is one for anyone who enjoys a brisk walk with real scenery at the end. Families with capable legs will find it manageable, though the descent can be brutal on knees. Serious hikers treating Mull as a walking base might tick it off between bigger routes. The terrain is rough underfoot - bog and bracken mostly - so proper boots matter more than fancy gear.

Timing-wise, spring through autumn works fine, though Mull's weather changes fast. I'd allow a full afternoon rather than rushing it. There's no admission cost or facilities at the summit; you're entirely self-sufficient up there. If you're staying at Island Pods just down the way, this makes an excellent morning sortie before exploring the rest of the island. Port nan Gael Campsite offers another convenient base. The walk won't blow your mind for drama, but it's genuinely solid hill walking with genuine reward.