Beinn nam Fitheach

The walk up Beinn nam Fitheach doesn't demand mountaineering credentials, but it does demand proper boots and the kind of weather forecast you actually trust. This Highland peak rises just west of Beauly, and on a clear day the views across the Moray Firth make the muddy ascent feel like time well spent.

You're looking at roughly two hours up, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The terrain's mixed - some proper hill walking with enough rock to keep things interesting, nothing technical but nothing gentle either. Walkers who enjoy a genuine climb without needing ropes will find their rhythm here. Families with teenagers keen on mountains will get plenty out of it; small children will likely grumble about the gradient.

Free to visit, obviously. The ground can be boggy lower down, especially after rain, so waterproof trousers aren't vanity. Autumn and spring tend to offer the best conditions - summer midges can be relentless, winter needs mountain experience.

If you're staying at Beauly Holiday Park (just down the road, genuinely well-rated), this makes a proper half-day outing. The park sits well positioned for exploring the wider Highlands, and Beinn nam Fitheach works as an antidote to lounging around. It's not a tourist trap, which is precisely why it's worth the drive from Beauly.