Beinn Duirinnis

The climb up Beinn Duirinnis rewards you with one of those rare Scottish views that actually lives up to the hype. From Taynuilt, it's a straightforward walk - nothing technical, just proper hill walking through heather and rough grass with the landscape opening up around you as you gain height.

What you get at the summit is a 360-degree panorama across Argyll that'll have you standing there longer than you planned. Loch Awe spreads out below in that distinctive long ribbon, with Ben Lui and the Tyndrum hills catching your eye to the east. On a clear day - and they do happen - you can trace your way across the whole region. The walk takes a couple of hours up and the same back down, so plan for a half-day outing.

It's the sort of hill that suits anyone who can handle three or four miles of steady climbing. Kids with proper legs will manage it fine, though very young ones might find the final push tedious. If you're based at Loch Awe Holiday Park just down the road, this makes an ideal leg-stretcher without needing to drive anywhere. Oban Camping and Caravanning Club Site is also within reasonable reach if you're exploring from there.

Go when the weather's settled - morning light from the east shows the landscape off best. There's nothing commercial about it, no facilities at the top, just you and the view. That's precisely why it works.