Tom Ard

Tom Ard rises about 2,000 feet above the waters around Oban, and the walk up rewards you with views that stretch across the Firth of Lorn towards the islands. It's a proper hill rather than a technical climb - steep in places, boggy underfoot in others, and the kind of walk that leaves your calves working but doesn't require ropes or serious kit.

The path itself is fairly straightforward once you find the start, though it's not exactly waymarked with tourist signs. Walkers make up the bulk of visitors here; families with young kids might find it a slog depending on their ages, but teenagers often enjoy it. If you're staying at one of the pods or caravan parks clustered around Oban - Loch View Luxury Pod or North Ledaig are closest - it's a solid morning outing when the weather's clear.

Allow two to three hours there and back depending on your pace. Go on a day when cloud isn't sitting on the summit, otherwise you'll be walking blind. The views are the whole point, so it's worth checking the forecast before committing.

It works well as part of a broader Oban-based holiday rather than a standalone pilgrimage. Pair it with a stroll around McCaig's Tower or a boat trip to one of the islands, and you've got a full day. Free to do, obviously - it's just a hill. But bring good boots and check the ground isn't waterlogged after heavy rain.