Tom a'Bhiorain

The walk up Tom a'Bhiorain rewards you with views across Glen Kinglas and out towards the Cowal Peninsula - proper Highlands stuff without needing to be a serious mountaineer. It's a modest peak by Scottish standards, around 2,300 feet, which means it sits at that sweet spot where the effort feels earned but won't leave you wrecked. The route itself isn't complicated, though the ground underfoot can be boggy depending on the season, so decent boots matter.

You'll find the starting point near Cairndow, which sits on the A83 Glen Croe road. The actual ascent takes between two to three hours depending on your pace and how much you stop to catch your breath or admire the landscape. On a clear day the views justify the graft - you can see proper distance from the summit. On a grey day, frankly, there's less to write home about, but that's Scottish hills for you.

This works brilliantly if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Stucreoch and Strathlachlan are within easy driving distance - and want a proper walk without committing to a full-day expedition. Families with kids who've done a few hills before will manage it. Serious hikers treating it as a warm-up on their way to the bigger peaks around the area? Fine, but don't expect it to challenge you. Go in decent weather and you'll have a solid few hours in the hills. Turn up in drizzle and you might wonder why you bothered.