Càrn Dearg

The walk up Càrn Dearg takes about two hours from the start, and it's proper work - steep in places, boggy underfoot once you hit the higher ground. But the payoff is worth the huffing and puffing. You're looking at views across the Sound of Mull on a clear day, with Ben Cruachan visible if you're lucky, and on the way up you pass through genuine Highland terrain that feels remote even though Oban is only a handful of miles away.

This is a hill for walkers who enjoy a bit of graft rather than a casual stroll. It's not a technical climb, but it demands decent boots and reasonable fitness - you won't be wandering this with small children or elderly relatives. The terrain changes as you ascend from rougher paths through scrubland to more exposed moorland near the summit. The views aren't as dramatic as some of Argyll's bigger peaks, but there's something satisfying about reaching the top of something that actually made you work for it.

Time it for late spring through early autumn when the paths are drier and visibility tends to be better. Allow a full afternoon minimum, especially if you're not a regular hill walker. It's the sort of walk that fits perfectly into a wider Argyll holiday - take on Càrn Dearg on a day when you're not exploring the islands or pottering around Oban itself. Both Sunnybrae Holiday Park and Argyll Kayaker Cove are close enough for a convenient base, with the latter ideal if you fancy combining hill walking with water activities.