Beinn Dubh-choire

The walk up Beinn Dubh-choire isn't what you'd call a stroll. It's a proper climb from the lower reaches near Inverness, and the Highlands make no apologies for that. What you get in return is a mountain that feels genuinely wild without requiring mountaineering skills - just solid legs and a bit of determination.

On a clear day, the views across to Loch Ness and beyond are genuinely worth the graft. The peak itself sits at a decent height without being so remote that you'll struggle to find the path. Most walkers allow three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

This is a walker's mountain rather than a casual stroll kind of place. If you're staying at Loch Ness Shores, which sits just six miles away, this makes an excellent half-day objective - you'll be back in time for a proper meal. Families with older kids who've done some hill walking will manage it fine. Younger ones might find it tedious, especially if the weather turns.

There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, so bring water and something to eat. The mountain is free to access, naturally - it's the Scottish Highlands. Conditions change fast up here, so morning starts are sensible, and checking the weather beforehand isn't optional. On a good day, it's exactly why people come to this part of Scotland.