Na Maoilean

The walk up Na Maoilean is a proper hill-walking experience without requiring technical climbing skills or specialist gear. You're looking at around 600 metres of ascent from the car park near By, and the views back towards Oban and down across the Sound of Mull make every step worth it.

It's not a casual stroll. The path gets steep in places and the ground underfoot can be boggy after rain, so proper boots are essential rather than optional. Allow three to four hours for the round trip if you're taking your time and want to sit at the top for a bit. Clear days are crucial here - cloud will rob you of what makes this worthwhile, so check the forecast before committing.

Walkers will get the most out of this. Families with older kids who've done a few hills before might manage it, but younger children will find it tedious. It's not dramatic enough to carry people on adrenaline alone, and the reward is the view rather than dramatic scenery en route.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Oban Camping and Caravanning Club Site is closest at just over 3 miles away - this makes a solid day out that'll take you away from the seaside attractions without eating up a full eight hours. Combine it with a wander round Oban itself, or pair it with gentler walks around the lower glens if your group's got mixed abilities. It's the sort of hill that leaves you genuinely tired but satisfied rather than defeated.