Ben Buie

Ben Buie rises 2,352 feet above the Isle of Mull with the kind of straightforward, no-nonsense appeal that makes Scottish peaks so rewarding. It's not a brutal slog - the ascent from the main track is manageable for anyone with decent fitness and proper boots, though the exposed ridge near the summit demands respect in windy conditions, which on Mull is fairly often.

The views justify the effort. On a clear day, you're looking across to Ben More on the same island, and the wider Argyll coastline spreads out below. It's the sort of panorama that makes you understand why people are willing to climb 2,000 metres for a decent view. Most walkers allow three to four hours return from the start of the main path, depending on pace.

Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the rocky sections at the top tedious rather than thrilling. History buffs won't find much here - it's purely about the walking and the landscape. The nearby Port nan Gael Campsite sits just 5.2 miles away and makes a solid base for tackling Ben Buie as part of a wider Mull walking trip.

Go early if you can. The weather changes fast, and afternoon clouds can roll in and obliterate those views in minutes. Leave yourself time to get down before darkness falls, especially in winter months when daylight is scarce. It's free to climb - Scotland's mountains aren't gatekept - and worth the effort if you're already on the island exploring.