Beinn Mhòr

The walk up Beinn Mhòr from Grantown-on-Spey is a proper Highland scramble, steep enough to get your heart racing but short enough that you won't regret it halfway up. The peak sits at 2,615 feet, commanding views across the Cairngorms that justify the slog, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles.

It's a mountain for walkers who want actual effort without the all-day commitment. Allow three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness. The terrain is rough underfoot - loose scree and heather - so proper boots are essential, not trainers. Weather changes fast up here, so check conditions before you go and bring waterproofs even when the forecast looks promising.

This works brilliantly as part of a longer stay around Grantown-on-Spey. If you're based at Grantown on Spey Caravan Park or Cannich Woodland Camping and Caravan Park, you've got good hiking on your doorstep without needing to drive hours into the mountains. The Cairngorms are nearby if you want bigger peaks, but Beinn Mhòr suits families with older kids or casual hillwalkers who want a genuine mountain experience without the technical climbing.

Go midweek if you can - weekends attract more crowds, and the mountain feels better when you've got it mostly to yourself. The views across the valley toward Grantown are the real reward here, not the summit cairn.