Cnoc na h Airidhe

The walk up Cnoc na h Airidhe takes roughly an hour from Dunoon, and it's the sort of hill that rewards the effort without demanding a full day's commitment. The view from the top sweeps across the Firth of Clyde toward the Isle of Bute - on a clear day it's genuinely worth the climb, though the weather here can turn from pleasant to dreich in minutes, so check the forecast.

It's a proper hill walk rather than a stroll. The path climbs steadily through moorland and scrub, and there's enough of a scramble at the end to keep things interesting. Families with older kids will manage fine; anyone under eight might find it slow going. The real appeal is isolation - you won't fight crowds like you do on the Ben or Ben Lomond.

There's no admission fee, naturally. Allow two hours round trip if you're taking it at a reasonable pace and stopping for the view. Early autumn works well - the light's clearer and the midges have largely moved on.

If you're based at Glenfinart or Loch Eck caravan parks nearby, this makes a solid half-day outing. It pairs well with a wander around Dunoon itself or a longer day exploring the Cowal Peninsula. The hills here lack the tourist infrastructure you get further north, which is either a bonus or a drawback depending on what you're after. If solitude matters more than facilities, you'll get it.