Cruachan Beag

The walk up Cruachan Beag rewards you with views across the Sound of Mull that justify the climb - assuming you've picked a day when the weather's playing ball. It's a proper hill rather than a peak, but that's partly what makes it work. You're not battling scree for hours; it's a fair slog of maybe two to three hours return from the trailhead, depending on your fitness.

The summit sits at around 700 metres, high enough to feel like an achievement without needing specialist kit. In clear conditions you can see right across to Ben More on Mull itself, and the islands beyond fade into the distance like a geography lesson come alive. On a grey day, it's considerably less thrilling, so timing matters.

Walkers will absolutely get their money's worth here. Families with teenagers who can handle a sustained climb will find it manageable; younger kids might struggle with the distance and steepness. History enthusiasts should know this is Campbell country - Argyll's old heartland - though the hill itself is more about the walking than the stories.

Access is free, and there's no formal visitor infrastructure, so come prepared with water and proper boots. The ground gets boggy in places, and the path isn't always obvious, so decent navigation skills help. If you're staying at Island Pods or Port nan Gael Campsite nearby, it makes an excellent half-day excursion that doesn't require leaving the area. The autumn light across those islands is something else.