Beinn an Uain

The walk up Beinn an Uain isn't long, but it's relentless. This Highland peak sits just south of Inverness, and on a clear day the views across the Moray Firth make the slog worthwhile. You're looking at around two hours up, maybe ninety minutes back down if your knees are cooperative.

It's a proper fell walker's hill rather than a casual ramble. The path gets boggy in stretches, and the final push to the summit has genuine scramble sections that'll test your nerve if you're not used to exposure. Most people tackle it as a half-day mission from Inverness itself, which is only a few miles away.

Families with older kids who've done a few hills will manage it fine. Younger children might struggle with the steepness and rough ground underfoot. The views from the top are genuinely excellent - on a decent day you can see right out toward the Cairngorms.

If you're based at Tomatin Glamping Pods nearby, this makes an ideal morning or early afternoon outing before heading back for evening relaxation. The pods are only five miles away, so it's practically on the doorstep. There's no visitor facility at the summit itself, so bring water and something to eat. Start early enough to have decent light for the descent - the path can be tricky in fading conditions.