Cruach nan Tarbh

The walk up Cruach nan Tarbh from Colintraive is proper steep in places, but the effort pays off once you're above the tree line. This isn't a particularly tall peak - around 400 metres - but it commands views across the Kyles of Bute that would justify twice the climbing. On a clear day you can see right down the water towards Rothesay, with the Arran hills rising up in the distance.

Most walkers manage the ascent in just under an hour. The path climbs through woodland first, then opens onto moorland that can feel genuinely wild depending on the weather. It's the kind of walk that works best for anyone with reasonable legs and a bit of determination - families with older kids will have no bother, but it's not a casual stroll. Allow a couple of hours return if you want to sit on the summit and actually enjoy the views rather than racing back down.

The nearest proper stopping point is Glendaruel Caravan Park, three miles or so away, which is well-placed if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days. It's worth timing your visit for late afternoon if you can - the light gets lovely across the water, and you'll have the summit mostly to yourself once the day-trippers head back to Colintraive for tea. Winter's quieter too, though the wind can be fierce up there.