Cruach na Machrach

The walk up Cruach na Machrach starts gently enough from the Tarbert side, but don't let that fool you - this is a proper hill with some proper effort required. The summit sits at 263 metres, which doesn't sound like much until you're halfway up and the path gets steeper. What makes it worth the slog is the view across the Kintyre Peninsula and back towards Tarbert itself. On a clear day you can see for miles.

This is one for walkers rather than casual strollers. Budget two to three hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. The path is well-trodden but can be boggy in places, so waterproof boots are genuinely useful rather than optional. Families with teenagers who don't mind a bit of a climb will manage fine; younger kids might find it tedious.

There's no entrance fee or facilities at the summit, so bring water and a snack. Spring and summer are best for visibility, though autumn can be spectacular if the weather holds. Winter's doable but the path gets slippery and daylight vanishes early.

If you're based at Tarbert Holiday Park or The Gather nearby, this fits nicely into a day out. It's straightforward enough to do in the morning before heading elsewhere in Argyll, or tackle it as your main event and spend the afternoon back in Tarbert itself. The walk's the thing here - the summit's more about the achievement than any particular landmark.