Druim na Dubh Ghlaic

The walk up Druim na Dubh Ghlaic isn't a gentle stroll. Starting from near Oban, you're looking at proper hill country - steep in places, with the kind of terrain that demands decent boots and a bit of grit. But that's precisely why it's worth doing. The views across Argyll open up as you climb, and on a clear day you can see why people bother with Scottish peaks at all. Allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on your fitness and how long you want to linger at the top.

This is walker territory, full stop. Families with young kids will find it challenging rather than enjoyable. But if you've got teenagers who can handle a real climb, or you're a proper hill person, the effort pays off. The peak itself offers genuine reward - wide views, a real sense of achievement, and the kind of quiet you don't get at roadsides.

Free to visit, obviously. You need to know your way around a map though - it's not a marked trail with signs at every turn. Bad weather here turns things serious quickly, so pick a decent day and check conditions before you head out.

If you're staying at Sunnybrae Holiday Park or Argyll Kayaker Cove, both just a few miles away, this works brilliantly as a half-day expedition. Gets you out properly without needing to drive miles, and it's substantially more rewarding than the honeypot walks everyone else does.