Beinn Sholum

The walk up Beinn Sholum is a proper leg-burner, but the payoff is genuine. This 423-metre peak sits on the Isle of Islay, and once you've hauled yourself to the summit, you're looking out across Islay's moorland in all directions - on a clear day you can see right out to Jura and beyond.

It's steep, mind you. Walkers with decent fitness will manage it in under two hours round trip from the trailhead, but anyone taking it at a gentler pace should allow three. The terrain is heathery moorland that can be boggy after rain, so proper boots are non-negotiable. The view itself - rolling hills, scattered lochs, and the Paps of Jura on the horizon - makes the huffing and puffing worthwhile.

This isn't a peak for casual strollers or very young kids. But if you're staying at Islay Glamping Pods just down the road and you want a proper hill walk that doesn't involve lugging a rucksack for eight hours, Beinn Sholum ticks the box. It's also a cracking option if you're exploring Islay's distillery trail and fancy some actual exercise between whisky tastings.

Go early in the day if possible - the light's best in late morning, and you'll avoid the afternoon mist that can roll in quickly. Spring and autumn offer the cleanest visibility, though Islay being Islay, you'll want to check the weather forecast before committing.