Meall Beag

The walk up Meall Beag takes about two hours from the car park near Tarbert, and it's the kind of hill that sneaks up on you. Not steep enough to require scrambling gear, but steep enough that you'll feel your legs by the top. The summit sits at just over 600 metres, which means you get proper Highland views without needing to be a serious mountaineer.

On a clear day - and there's genuinely a good chance of one here - you're looking across Loch Fyne towards the Cowal Peninsula, with the Arrochar Alps visible on the horizon if conditions allow. The path is well-maintained but muddy in places, especially after rain, so decent boots matter. Allow three hours there and back if you're not hurrying, or four if you're stopping for photos and a thermos at the top.

This is fundamentally a walkers' hill rather than a casual family outing. You need to be comfortable on your feet for a couple of hours, though teenagers who hike regularly won't find it taxing. The reward is solitude most days - you won't be queuing or fighting for space on the summit like you would on Ben Lomond.

Camp at The Gather if you want proper facilities and a 5-star setup, or Tarbert Holiday Park for something more straightforward and closer to town. Tarbert itself has decent pubs and fish and chips if you're planning a proper walking trip. Start early to catch the light, and pack more water than you think you'll need - the exposed sections can feel thirsty.