Brown Muir

Brown Muir sits at 380 metres above the Moray landscape, and on a clear day the walk up rewards you with views that stretch properly far. The summit itself is bare moorland - no grand cairn or dramatic peak, just gently rolling high ground with the sort of 360-degree perspective that makes you feel like you've actually gone somewhere.

It's a decent hill walk rather than a scramble, taking the best part of an hour from The Elms side depending on your pace and which approach you fancy. The terrain underfoot is heather and grass, manageable in most seasons though it can get bog-sodden after rain. You won't find crowds here, which is part of its charm - it's the kind of spot where locals walk their dogs rather than somewhere the tour buses point to.

Walkers will absolutely get the most from this. It's not technical enough to thrill climbers, and the views, while proper good, aren't the sort that stop you dead in your tracks. Kids can manage it fine if they're used to hill walking, though don't expect any dramatic payoff at the top that'll keep them entertained for long.

Fit it into a wider Moray walking itinerary. If you're staying at Cairnty Lodges nearby - their hot tubs are genuinely worth booking in for after a day out - Brown Muir makes a sensible morning or afternoon jaunt. Go early in the day if possible; the moorland here gets moody and cloud-covered by afternoon more often than not.