Cnoc Biorach

The walk up Cnoc Biorach rewards you with one of the sharpest views across the Firth of Lorn. It's a proper hill rather than a leisurely stroll - steep in places, boggy underfoot, and the kind of climb that takes around two hours from Oban.

You're looking at open moorland as you ascend, with the landscape flattening out as you crest the summit. On a clear day the views south toward Jura and Islay are genuinely worth the effort; on a grey one you'll mostly see cloud. The peak itself isn't marked with any fanfare - just exposed rock and heather - so there's no hanging about once you've caught your breath.

This is walkers' territory, not a family outing unless your children are seasoned hillwalkers. The terrain's rough enough that you'll want decent boots and a map. Allow three to four hours return journey with time to rest at the top.

If you're based at Oban Holiday Park - just 1.5 miles away - this makes a natural day out, particularly if you're already planning coastal walks around the town. The park itself is well-positioned for exploring Argyll, and Cnoc Biorach sits within easy striking distance. Tanunda Pods and Maggie's Cabin, both rated excellently, are slightly further out but still reasonable if you're after a quieter base.

Go early in the day and check the weather forecast first. The Oban area can be dreich, and a cloud-wrapped summit isn't much to write home about.