Creag Liath

The walk up Creag Liath from Tarbert is straightforward enough, but don't expect to be alone on a decent day. This isn't a dramatic peak - it's a proper Argyll hill, grassy and rounded, the sort of thing locals bag for a quick afternoon outing. You get good views over the loch and back towards the Cowal peninsula, which makes the modest height worthwhile. Allow two to three hours for the round trip if you're not rushing, maybe less if you know what you're doing.

Walkers will find this more rewarding than families with young children. The path is manageable but involves some bog - proper waterproof boots essential. There's nothing technical about it, but it's not a stroll either. The real draw is how accessible it is from Tarbert itself, making it ideal if you're staying at The Gather or just passing through and want to stretch your legs with some proper height gain.

Go on a clear morning for the best views. Midweek in shoulder season (April or September) means you'll have the hill largely to yourself, which changes the experience entirely. It's the sort of peak that justifies the drive to Argyll when combined with other walks in the area - part of a good weekend rather than a destination in itself. Wear layers. The wind picks up fast once you're above the tree line.