Beinn Talaidh

The walk up Beinn Talaidh from the Isle of Mull is deceptively short but demands respect. You're looking at roughly two hours up and back, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath - which you will, frequently. The path climbs steeply through moorland and scrubby vegetation, nothing fancy, just honest Scottish hillwalking. What makes it worth the effort is the view from the summit. On a clear day you're looking across to Ben More on the same island, down towards Iona, and out to the Atlantic. The light changes constantly, making the landscape shift from grey to gold within minutes.

This is one for walkers rather than casual strollers. Families with older kids - say ten and up - will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the final push tedious. There's no café at the top, no visitor centre, just you and the wind. Which is precisely why people come here. If you're staying at Island Pods nearby, this makes a solid half-day expedition that doesn't require jumping on a ferry. The terrain is rough underfoot in places, so proper walking boots matter. Weather on Mull changes faster than you'd expect, so check conditions before you head out.

The beauty of Beinn Talaidh is it's never mobbed. You'll likely have the summit to yourself, which feels increasingly rare these days.