Creachan Dubh

The walk up Creachan Dubh from Cairndow is straightforward and rewarding without being a slog. It's a proper hill rather than a mountain - you're looking at around two hours up, less coming down if you don't mind the steeper descent. The summit sits at 587 metres, which means the views back down Loch Fyne are genuinely worth the effort, especially on a clear day when you can see right across to the Cowal Peninsula.

Start early and you'll have the place to yourself. The path is well-trodden and doesn't require scrambling, making it accessible for hill-walkers of varying fitness levels. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the final push tedious. There's something satisfying about standing at the top knowing you've earned a proper perspective on the landscape rather than just driving past it.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Strathlachlan or Glendaruel are closest - this fills a good morning or early afternoon nicely. Pair it with a walk around the loch itself on a rest day, and you've got solid hill-country exploring without needing a car for every activity. The weather in Argyll can turn quickly, so go prepared and don't leave it too late in the day. Bring water and something to eat at the top; there's nothing up there but the view, which is exactly as it should be.