Cnoc an t-Suidhe

The walk up Cnoc an t-Suidhe takes about an hour from Tarbert, climbing through moorland that gets properly boggy in places - waterproof boots are non-negotiable. Once you're at the top, you understand why the effort was worth it. The views across the Kintyre Peninsula stretch for miles, with Loch Fyne glinting below and on clear days you can see right over to Arran.

This isn't a tourist honeypot. It's a proper hill walk for people who actually like walking, not strolling about taking selfies. The peak itself sits at just under 300 metres, so it's no monster, but the terrain demands respect - that boggy approach and the wind at the summit mean you need to be reasonably prepared. Families with older kids who've done a few hills before will manage it fine; younger ones might find the slog tedious.

There's no facilities up there, no café, no car park at the base even. This is old-school Scottish hillwalking. The nearest town is Tarbert, a proper working fishing village rather than a tourist resort, which is exactly the sort of place that feels genuine. If you're staying at Tarbert Holiday Park, this makes a brilliant morning or afternoon expedition before heading back for dinner.

Go when the weather's settled and visibility's good - there's no point doing it in cloud. Summer gives you the longest daylight, but spring and autumn are often clearer. It's free, naturally, and the return journey takes roughly two hours total if you're moving at a decent pace.