Benan Ardifuir

The walk up Benan Ardifuir rewards you with one of those rare Highland views that makes the scramble worthwhile. This modest peak sits above Lochgilphead, offering genuine panoramic sight lines across Argyll's lochs and glens - proper mountain country, even if the height isn't daunting.

It's a straightforward hill walk rather than a technical climb, though the terrain gets steep enough near the top to keep things interesting. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, depending on fitness. The path isn't always obvious, so map skills or a GPS app aren't luxuries here. Early morning light cuts through the Argyll landscape beautifully, which is when locals tend to tackle it.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a tourist trap with cafes and visitor centres - just you, the hill, and the view. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper hike will manage fine, though younger ones might find it a slog. History buffs get less here than at some Argyll sites, though the landscape itself tells stories about Highland settlement patterns.

If you're based at The Pod Over By or exploring the wider area around Lochgilphead, Benan Ardifuir makes a solid morning or afternoon excursion. It's the kind of walk that justifies a holiday in Argyll without needing much fanfare - just a decent pair of boots and decent weather. Go early in the day if you can; afternoon mist rolls in quickly.