Isle of Mull

Wild Atlantic winds whip across mountains that rise straight from the sea like ancient monuments. This is Scotland's third-largest island, where red deer roam moorland and golden eagles circle overhead. The landscape feels properly remote - all empty glens and towering peaks that'll test even experienced hikers.

Ben More dominates the skyline at 966 metres, the only Munro on any Scottish island apart from Skye. It's a proper climb, but the views from the top stretch to the Outer Hebrides on clear days. For something less demanding, Beinn na Croise offers cracking views without the full mountain assault. The island's riddled with peaks - Coirc Bheinn, Am Binnein, Ben Buie - each with its own character.

Down in the south, Lochbuie Standing Stone marks where Bronze Age settlers once gathered. It stands alone in a field, weathered but defiant after 3,000 years. The contrast between ancient history and raw Highland scenery makes every walk feel significant.

Getting here requires planning. The CalMac ferry from Oban takes 45 minutes to Craignure, though services can be disrupted by Atlantic storms. Once you're on the island, distances are deceptive - what looks like a short drive on the map often involves single-track roads with passing places.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You'll want several days to explore properly, and having a base means you can tackle different areas without rushing back to catch the last ferry. The island rewards those who take their time.