Meallan Glaic

Meallan Glaic sits quietly in the hills above Dunoon, and if you're after a proper walk without the crowds, this peak delivers. It's not the showiest of the Argyll hills - no dramatic rock faces or alpine drama - but there's something satisfying about making the effort to reach the trig point and finding yourself alone with just the view across Cowal.

The ascent takes a decent couple of hours depending on where you start, and you'll want decent boots because the terrain gets boggy in places. On a clear day you can see down to the Clyde and across to the islands. The walk itself is straightforward enough for experienced walkers, though it's not marked as heavily as the busier peaks nearby, so bring a map or download the route before you head out.

This is squarely for walkers rather than families with small children - the terrain is rough and there's nothing at the top except views and the satisfaction of getting there. If you're staying at Beach House Pods just down the road near Dunoon, it makes an excellent morning outing that won't eat your entire day. Go early though, because the cloud can roll in fast across these hills, and you'll want that view to justify the climb. Worth doing if you're exploring the wider Argyll area, but don't go out of your way for it alone.