Cnoc Breamanach

The climb up Cnoc Breamanach rewards you with views across the Cowal Peninsula that make the slog worthwhile, especially on a clear day when you can see right down to the Clyde. It's not a long walk from Colintraive - perhaps an hour up, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath - but it's steep enough that you'll feel like you've earned something proper.

This is walker terrain, plain and simple. Families with young legs will manage fine, though expect grumbling from anyone under twelve if the weather turns. The path itself is rough in places and can be boggy after rain, so decent boots aren't optional. Once you're up there, the Argyll landscape unfolds in all directions - moorland, glens, the waters of the Firth beyond. On a grey day it's moody and atmospheric; on a blue-sky day it's properly spectacular.

You'll want to allow a solid two to three hours for the round trip if you're not a regular hill-walker. There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, so bring water and a packed lunch if you fancy lingering. Free to access, naturally.

If you're staying at Glendaruel Caravan Park nearby, this makes an excellent morning or afternoon excursion to punctuate a relaxing holiday. It's the sort of walk that keeps you occupied without eating your entire day, which suits a park-based break perfectly. On a decent weekend, you might bump into a few other walkers, but it never feels crowded.