McNoble Hill

The walk up McNoble Hill from Helensburgh is a proper lung-buster, but the views over the Firth of Clyde make every gasping step worthwhile. It's a straightforward climb - nothing technical, just relentless - and you'll reach the summit in under an hour from the town. Once up there, you get the full panorama: Ben Lomond away to the east, the Cowal peninsula stretching south, and on a clear day you can see right across to Arran.

This is one for walkers who want a quick hit rather than an all-day slog. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though the younger ones might grumble about the gradient. The summit's bare and windswept, which means there's nowhere to shelter if the weather turns, so check the forecast first.

If you're staying at Rosneath Castle Caravan Park or Hunters Quay Holiday Village - both excellent bases - McNoble Hill makes a brilliant morning mission before you settle in for lunch. It's close enough that you won't spend half the day driving, but proper enough that you've earned a decent rest afterwards. The approach from Helensburgh is straightforward, and the lack of crowds makes it feel less touristy than Ben Lomond or the other obvious peaks nearby. Allow two hours return if you're not rushed, or ninety minutes if you're fit and moving fast.