Beinn a' Chùirn

The walk up Beinn a' Chùirn from Kyle of Lochalsh isn't long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel like you've actually done something by the time you reach the summit. On a clear day, the views across to Skye are absolutely worth the effort - you're looking at proper mountain scenery without needing to be a serious hillwalker.

It's the kind of peak that works brilliantly as a half-day outing when you're based nearby. The ascent takes roughly two hours, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath. Families with older kids manage it fine, though younger ones might find the steeper sections a slog. Solo walkers love it because you get genuine solitude up there, which is rarer than you'd think in the Highlands.

The real appeal is how accessible it is from Kyle of Lochalsh itself. You're not driving for ages to find a trailhead - it's virtually on the doorstep. If you're staying at either Reraig or Glenshiel, you're minutes away from starting out.

Go when the weather's settled rather than chancing it in cloud, because that's when the view justifies the climb. The midges can be grim in summer, so bring a head net if you're going July or August. It's a free walk, no permits needed, just decent boots and an OS map or downloaded offline route. Perfectly pitched if you want to fill a morning without committing to a full mountain day.