Cruach an t-Sithein

The walk up Cruach an t-Sithein from Arrochar is one of those proper Scottish hill outings that doesn't require a full mountaineering expedition but still delivers proper views. You're looking at roughly an hour and a half of steady climbing through mixed woodland and heather moorland - nothing technical, just relentless uphill, which sorts out who's serious and who's just out for the Instagram moment.

At 886 metres, it sits in that sweet spot where the effort genuinely pays off. The summit opens up to the Cowal Peninsula and across to Ben Lomond on a clear day, and on misty days - which is honest Argyll weather - the cloud rolling through the glens below is its own reward. The path is well-trodden and manageable for anyone with decent boots and a bit of fitness. Kids who enjoy hillwalking will manage it without complaint, though the younger end might need breaks.

This works brilliantly alongside a stay at one of the nearby parks. Forest Holidays Ardgartan sits just four miles away and offers proper forest-edge living, while Inverbeg Holiday Park is practically on the doorstep at four and a half miles. Either base gives you quick access to the Arrochar Alps cluster - you could add Ben Vane or Ben Arthur to an itinerary without too much driving about.

Timing matters. Early summer gives longest daylight for the return leg, though autumn colours on the lower slopes are worth the shorter days. It's free to climb, naturally - just turn up and go. Allow three hours return plus time at the top.