Binnein Furachail

The ridge walk up Binnein Furachail from Glen Etive is one of those Argyll outings that rewards you properly for the effort. It's not a walk you stumble into - you're committing to a serious hill day, likely five to six hours from the Glen Etive car park, but the views across to Ben Starav and down towards Oban are worth every step of the grind.

You're looking at a steep, boggy ascent initially, then a more technical scramble as you gain height. The final push to the summit isn't technical in a rock-climbing sense, but it's exposed enough to keep you honest. Once you're up there, the panorama is properly stunning - on a clear day you can see right across the Highlands.

This is a walk for experienced hill walkers, not a casual family stroll. The ground can be treacherous when wet, and the weather can change in minutes. Early morning starts make sense because the light and visibility are usually better, and you'll want daylight when you're making your way down.

Based near Oban, you're well-placed for this. Sunnybrae Holiday Park is only a couple of miles away, and Argyll Kayaker Cove - if you fancy combining serious hiking with water sports - is even closer. It's a genuine hill day that demands respect, but if you're a walker who enjoys exposed ridges and wild country, Binnein Furachail delivers the goods.