Studdel Hills

The walk up Studdel Hills from Dunoon is steep, relentless, and absolutely worth every burning calf muscle. You're looking at moorland terrain that opens up the moment you gain height, with views across the Firth of Clyde that stretch all the way to the Ayrshire coast on a decent day. The peak itself isn't dramatic - no rocky scramble, no sudden summit stone - but that's rather the point. It's a proper hill walker's hill, the kind where you earn your views through honest graft rather than spectacle.

Allow two to three hours return from Dunoon if you're of average fitness, longer if you're taking it leisurely. There's no marked trail to speak of, which means you need a decent map or GPS, but experienced walkers will find their way easily enough. Families with younger kids might find the ascent a slog without the payoff they'd get from a rockier peak, but teenagers who can handle a genuine climb will love the sense of accomplishment.

The real strength of Studdel as part of a wider park holiday is its proximity to Beach House Pods - you're within four miles, so a morning hike followed by afternoon relaxation at the pods makes for a satisfying rhythm. Go early if you can; the midges can be brutal in still summer weather, and the light's better for those Clyde views anyway. Free to walk, naturally. No cafe on the hill, so pack a flask and a sandwich.