Maoile Mhòr

The walk up Maoile Mhòr is less about the destination and more about what happens on the way. This modest peak on Islay rises to just 1,077 feet, which doesn't sound like much until you're actually climbing it and realising there's proper rough terrain underfoot.

You get views across the Paps of Jura from the top - three distinctive peaks that dominate the skyline to the northeast. On a clear day it's genuinely striking. The walk itself takes a good couple of hours return from the nearest trailhead, so this isn't a quick tick-box job. The landscape is typically Hebridean: moorland, bog, windswept and occasionally bleak, but that's precisely what makes it rewarding.

Walkers and hill enthusiasts will get far more from this than casual tourists. It's not a scenic stroll - you'll want proper boots and should check the weather beforehand. The nearest town is Port Ellen on Islay, where you can stock up on supplies before heading out.

If you're staying at Islay Glamping Pods, this makes a solid afternoon or morning expedition. The pods are only a few miles away, which is handy because you won't want to drive far after a muddy walk. There's no admission charge and no fixed hours - it's moorland access. Go when the weather's decent and allow three hours including a rest at the top. It's the sort of place that rewards effort rather than expecting it.