Cnoc Mòr

The walk up Cnoc Mòr from Oban takes you straight into proper Scottish hill country without requiring a full day's commitment. It's a modest peak - nothing that demands special kit or Alpine experience - but the views back towards Oban and across the Firth of Lorn make the effort worthwhile.

You're looking at a couple of hours up and back if you're steady on your feet, longer if you stop to take photos (which you will). The path is straightforward enough in decent weather, though it can get boggy underfoot and the Scottish wind has a habit of catching you higher up. Visibility matters here - get it clear and the coastal panorama is genuinely excellent; come on a grey day and you're basically hiking through cloud.

This works best for walkers who want to stay active during a park holiday without disappearing into the hills all day. It's not the sort of thing that'll occupy families with young kids for long, and there's no café or facilities at the top, so bring water. The proximity to Tanunda Pods and Maggie's Cabin means you could knock this out in a morning and still have the afternoon free.

Free to do, naturally - it's a Scottish hill. Go when the weather's settled rather than chasing a forecast; the extra day waiting is worth not spending three hours in drizzle. If Cnoc Mòr appeals but you want something longer, the bigger walks around Ben Cruachan are within striking distance.