Brown Hill

There's something rather satisfying about walking up Brown Hill on a clear day. It's not a monumental climb - more of a decent slog than a proper mountain effort - but the views across the Firth of Clyde make the effort worthwhile. From the summit you get proper sight lines down to the water, with the Isle of Bute sitting out there like it's been placed deliberately for aesthetic effect.

The walk takes about an hour or so depending on your pace and where exactly you start from near Helensburgh. It's the sort of outing that works brilliantly for families who don't want to commit to a full day's hiking, though teenagers will find it a bit straightforward. History buffs won't find much to chew on up here - it's more about the landscape and a bit of fresh air.

If you're staying at Beach House Pods just down the road, this makes a logical morning excursion before heading back for lunch. The walk is manageable in any season, though winter wind can be sharp up top. There's no facilities at the summit itself, so bring what you need from Helensburgh. The real value here is the Clyde views and that sense of getting away from the coast without actually going far - you're never more than a few miles from civilisation, but once you're up there it feels properly removed. Decent spot for a quick leg-stretcher if you're basing yourself in Argyll.