Cnoc an Sgolaidh

The walk up Cnoc an Sgolaidh from Tarbert is a proper hill rather than a mountain - steep enough to get your heart going, but done in under two hours if you're not dawdling. The summit sits at just over 300 metres, which means the views across the Kintyre peninsula and out towards the islands actually punch above their weight. On a clear day you're looking at Jura and Islay sitting out in the Firth of Clyde, and the whole thing has that wild, windswept feel you get in Argyll when the weather's being kind.

It's the sort of walk that suits hill-walkers more than casual strollers - there's genuine gradient here and the path can be boggy in places. Kids aged ten and up would manage it fine if they're used to hills; younger ones might find the return leg a slog. Allow three hours return from Tarbert town, including a breather at the top. No facilities on the mountain itself, so pack water and something to eat.

If you're based at one of the holiday parks nearby - Tarbert Holiday Park is closest at 2.5 miles - this works well as a morning outing before lunch. The Gather or Port Ban Holiday Park are both within easy reach too. It's the sort of walk that clears your head without demanding a full day's commitment, and it gives you proper Argyll hills without the seriousness of Ben More or Goat Fell. Worth fitting in if the weather's playing ball.