Stob an Eas

The walk up Stob an Eas is genuinely rewarding - a proper hill rather than a gentle stroll, but nothing that demands full mountaineering kit. From Cairndow you're looking at a couple of hours to the summit if you move steadily, and the views down Glen Kinglass are the sort that stick with you.

It's not a technical climb. The path is reasonably clear once you've left the road behind, though it does get steeper as you gain height, and the ground underfoot can be boggy in places - waterproof boots are non-negotiable. What makes it worthwhile is the isolation. You won't be queuing here like you might at Ben Lomond or Ben Vorlich. Walkers who want to bag a Munro without the crowds do well here, and it's manageable for anyone with decent fitness and proper preparation.

Allow a full half-day minimum. The mountain's not particularly high - just over 800 metres - but the approach from Cairndow adds distance. Go early if you can; the weather in Argyll turns quickly, and afternoon cloud can roll in fast. If you're staying at Drimsynie Holiday Village or Forest Holidays Ardgartan, both are within striking distance and offer the sort of comfortable base that makes sense after a day on the hill.

There's no charge to climb it, naturally - it's a Scottish mountain. What you need is decent weather, proper footwear, and realistic expectations. This isn't a peak for the casual tourist, but for walkers, it delivers.