Dùn Mòr

The walk up Dùn Mòr is properly steep, but that's half the point. You're climbing what feels like the spine of the Isle of Mull itself - this isn't some gentle afternoon stroll. The path gains height fast, and your legs will feel it, but the views back across the Sound of Mull and towards Ben More make every footfall count. On a clear day the perspective shifts constantly. One minute you're looking at Iona, the next you're clocking the Paps of Jura miles away on the horizon. The summit itself is modest - a rocky outcrop rather than a dramatic peak - but stand there and you understand why people have marked high points in the landscape for centuries. The Gaelic name carries weight here.

Walkers and hillwalkers will get the most from this one. It's not technical, but it demands proper fitness and decent weather. Families with younger children might find the gradient tough going, though older teenagers who don't mind a slog will surprise themselves. Allow two to three hours return, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. Best tackled early in the day, especially in autumn and winter when daylight's precious. Midges are less of a nuisance higher up, so that's a minor bonus.

If you're staying at Island Pods just down the road, this pairs well with gentler walks around the island's coast. It's the sort of hill that rewards you quickly - you don't need to be out all day to feel like you've achieved something on Mull.