Na Binneinean

The walk up Na Binneinean is proper steep and unrelenting, but the payoff on Mull's highest peak is absolutely worth the leg-burn. This isn't a casual stroll - it's a genuine hill scramble that demands respect, though you don't need ropes or special kit to do it.

From the summit at 966 metres, you get views across the entire island and out towards Ben Nevis on clear days. The Treshnish Isles come into sharp focus too, which is magnificent. Allow a full morning or afternoon for the round trip depending on fitness - most walkers spend three to four hours on the hill itself.

Timing matters. Early spring and autumn give you the best chance of clear weather, though Mull being Mull, you'll want to check conditions before you head out. Rain and cloud roll in fast here. The path isn't waymarked brilliantly, so an OS map and decent boots are non-negotiable.

Families with younger kids should think twice - the sustained ascent and rough terrain will frustrate them. But serious walkers and anyone keen on island landscapes will find it rewarding. The isolation up there is genuine; you might not see another soul.

If you're basing yourself at Island Pods nearby, this is an essential day out. It fits perfectly into a proper hiking holiday on Mull, especially if you're planning to tackle some of the other peaks in the area. Free to climb, though you'll need to arrange parking and access properly.