Ben Talaidh

Ben Talaidh rises sharp and sudden from the Isle of Mull landscape - a proper little mountain that punches above its weight at 762 metres. The walk up takes most people between two to three hours depending on fitness, and the reward is genuine: you get views across to Ben More on the same island, and on clear days the mainland fades into the distance. It's not a technical climb by any stretch, but the path gets steep in places and the exposed summit demands respect.

This one's for walkers with a bit of grit. Your legs will know about it, but there's something satisfying about bagging a Mull peak without needing ropes or specialist kit. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper hike will fare better than those expecting a gentle stroll. Bring good boots though - the ground can be boggy on the approach.

If you're based at Island Pods, just down the road, Ben Talaidh makes a cracking day out when the weather cooperates. The unpredictable Mull climate means you might get spectacular clarity or complete cloud cover, so pick your day carefully. Start early to give yourself daylight hours for the descent - it's less forgiving in the dark. There's no facilities at the summit and nowhere to buy refreshments, so carry water and something to eat. Free to access, naturally. Go when the midges aren't at their worst, ideally late spring through to September.