Creag Sgoilte

The walk up Creag Sgoilte from Cairndow is straightforward enough - about an hour's climb through decent paths with views opening up as you gain height. You're looking at a modest peak by Scottish standards, but that's precisely why it works so well. No scrambling, no technical nonsense, just a proper hillwalk that rewards you with views across Loch Fyne and the surrounding glens once you're up top.

This is the kind of walk that suits families who've done a bit of walking before, or anyone after a half-day objective without committing to a full mountain day. The summit itself is nothing dramatic - you won't find crowds or cairns the size of a house - but that's the appeal. It feels like you've earned something genuine rather than ticked off a checkbox.

Base yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Drimsynie Holiday Village, Loch Eck, or Stucreoch are all within a few miles - and you've got a decent enough outing to fill a morning. Cairndow's a tiny spot, so don't expect much beyond a pub and a few essentials, but that's part of the charm of the area. The walk is free and accessible year-round, though winter might add a complication or two depending on conditions. Allow a good two hours for the round trip if you're not rushing, and bring waterproofs - this is Argyll, after all. On a clear day the effort pays off. On a grey one, you might wonder why you bothered, but that's hillwalking.