Creag Thulach

The walk up Creag Thulach is straightforward enough - about two hours there and back from Taynuilt, and the summit views across Loch Awe make it a solid half-day outing. You're looking at a proper Argyll hill rather than a full mountain, with a height that won't leave you gasping, but that's partly the point. The path is well-trodden and the climb steady without being punishing.

What draws people here is the view south toward Ben Cruachan and across the loch itself. On a clear day it's genuinely worth the effort. The summit's bare enough to feel like you've actually achieved something, even if the ascent wasn't brutal. Walkers of mixed fitness manage this comfortably, which makes it useful if you've got someone in the party who prefers a gentler day on the hills.

Timing-wise, start early if you're visiting in autumn or winter when the light goes fast. Spring and summer give you proper evenings to play with. There's no charge for the walk, which is always welcome, though you'll want decent boots and a map - the lower slopes can be boggy after rain.

If you're staying at Loch Awe Holiday Park, just three-and-a-half miles away, this works as a pre-lunch expedition or an afternoon push. It pairs well with exploring the broader area around the loch without eating a full day. Families with older kids will manage it without complaint.