Creag nan Cuilean

The walk up Creag nan Cuilean is a proper scramble rather than a gentle stroll, and that's precisely why it's worth doing. Rising above the Oban area in Argyll, this peak demands a bit of effort but rewards you with views across the Firth of Lorne and out towards the islands. The route itself isn't marked with painted arrows or well-trodden switchbacks - you're picking your way up rough ground, using your hands as much as your feet. Most people manage it in under two hours from the base, though the scrambling sections mean you can't rush.

This is ideal terrain for walkers who want something more engaging than a moorland plod but aren't ready for serious mountaineering. Families with older kids who've got their hill legs will find it fun rather than frightening. Young children will struggle with the scrambling sections and loose stone, so leave them behind unless they're genuinely confident on rough ground.

You'll want decent boots and should avoid it when wet - the stone gets slick fast. Go early if you're visiting during summer, as the weather can turn quickly on the west coast. The nearest town is Oban itself, which makes this perfect for breaking up a park-based holiday. If you're staying at Argyll Kayaker Cove or Sunnybrae Holiday Park, both just down the road, this gives you a half-day excursion that feels properly adventurous without requiring a dawn start or overnight kit. Admission is free, as with most Scottish peaks.