Drochard Ghlas

The walk up Drochard Ghlas isn't long, but it's steep enough to earn respect. Starting from near Taynuilt, you're looking at a proper hill rather than a gentle stroll - the kind where your legs know they've done something by the summit. The view across Loch Awe is genuinely worth the graft though. On a clear day you can see right down the loch, and the Argyll hills roll out around you in ways that photographs never quite capture.

It's a peak that suits walkers who want proper effort without needing a full day out. Families with older kids who don't mind a bit of climbing will get something from it, but younger ones might find the ascent tedious. Budget two to three hours including the descent and a breather at the top. The ground can be boggy after rain, so decent boots matter.

If you're basing yourself at Loch Awe Holiday Park just down the road, this works as a solid half-day outing. It's not one of those summits that demands you trek for eight hours - you can crack it before lunch and still have the afternoon for exploring the loch itself or checking out what else Taynuilt has nearby. The peak doesn't demand reservations or fees, just turn up when the weather looks decent and go. Spring through autumn is best; winter can make the steep bits tricky.