The Saddle

The Saddle rises between two deeper valleys, giving you that distinctive dip-in-the-ridge feeling that makes the ascent feel properly rewarding. It's a straightforward hill walk from Cairndow, heading up through woodland before the landscape opens onto moorland - nothing technically difficult, but the climb is genuine enough that you'll know you've done something by the top.

The view justifies the effort. You're looking out across the Cowal Peninsula with Loch Fyne sprawling below, and on a clear day the ridgeline feels like you've got the Argyll countryside laid out in front of you. Count on two to three hours round trip depending on your pace and how long you linger at the summit. It's the sort of walk that appeals to anyone with reasonable fitness - families with older kids will manage it, keen walkers will appreciate the straightforwardness, and history types won't find much to detain them, but that's not really the point.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Drimsynie is particularly handy at 3.5 miles away, or Forest Holidays Ardgartan if you want somewhere with proper facilities - The Saddle makes an excellent afternoon excursion without eating an entire day. Pop down to Cairndow first for a coffee, then head straight up. The ground can be boggy after rain, so pick your moment. Free to visit, obviously, and best tackled when the midges aren't out in force - spring or autumn tends to work better than summer.