Bunston Knowe

The walk up Bunston Knowe from Helensburgh takes about forty minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a proper Scottish hill that rewards you quietly rather than dramatically. From the top, the Firth of Clyde sprawls out below, with Dumbarton Rock visible across the water and, on a clear day, the Arrochar Alps rising up in the distance. The view isn't spectacular enough to warrant a pilgrimage on its own, but it's absolutely worth doing if you're already in the area.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's straightforward enough for families with older kids, though the scramble at the end is a bit steep for younger legs. The path itself is well-defined and manages to feel remote despite being close to Helensburgh - that's rarer than you'd think around here. Allow two hours return and pack something to eat at the top.

Stay at Rosneath Castle Caravan Park, just 4.3 miles away, and you're perfectly positioned for this walk plus exploring the wider Argyll coast. Hunters Quay Holiday Village sits only marginally further out and offers slightly more in terms of facilities if you've got restless kids in tow. Both parks make sensible bases for a long weekend of coastal walking - Bunston Knowe pairs nicely with the Cowal Peninsula's other hills if you're keen on bagging a few summits.