Cruach nam Broighleag

The walk up Cruach nam Broighleag isn't a slog - it's a proper hill rather than a mountain, which means you can bag the views without needing rock climbing experience. Starting near Colintraive, the path takes you through typical Argyll scenery: bracken, heather, and enough native woodland to keep things interesting. Most people manage the ascent in under two hours, though you'll want a good three hours total if you're in no rush and fancy sitting about at the top.

What makes it worth doing is the perspective you get over the Kyles of Bute. From the summit, you're looking straight down at the water cutting between the islands, with Bute itself rising across the sound. On a clear day - and you'll want to pick one for this - the light on the water changes constantly as clouds move through. It's the kind of view that reminds you why folk bother with Scottish hills at all.

Walkers with decent fitness will get the most from this one. Kids aged eight upwards manage it fine if they're used to hillwalking; younger ones might find the climb tedious. It's free, obviously, and there's roadside parking near Colintraive if you're not staying at Glendaruel Caravan Park, which sits just 4 miles away and offers a solid base for exploring this corner of Argyll. Spring and autumn are best - the midges are less brutal, and you'll actually be able to see where you're going.