Sarahs Knowe

Sarah's Knowe sits about four miles north of Dunoon, a modest hill that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards anyone who makes the short climb. It's not a dramatic Munro - more of a proper viewpoint walk that takes 45 minutes to an hour round trip, depending on your pace and how often you stop to look around.

The route itself is straightforward, with decent views opening up as you gain height. On a clear day you get sweeping views across the Firth of Clyde towards the Cowal Peninsula. It's the kind of walk that works for families with older kids and regular walkers - nothing technical, but enough of a stretch to feel earned.

What makes it worth the detour is how quiet it stays. Dunoon gets plenty of visitors, but most stick to the seafront or head off in search of something bigger. That means Sarah's Knowe is often peaceful, even during summer holidays. Bring proper boots though - it can get boggy after rain, and there's nothing worse than squelchy feet.

If you're staying at Beach House Pods or Hunters Quay Holiday Village nearby, this works as a morning or afternoon outing. It's free, naturally, and you won't need more than a couple of hours. Best visited when the weather's settled - the Argyll coast can cloud over quickly, which rather defeats the purpose of climbing anything.