Burach

The walk up Burach isn't long, but it's steep enough to catch you out if you're not prepared. This modest Highland peak sits just above Fort Augustus, making it ideal for a half-day ramble if you're staying at one of the nearby Loch Ness parks - Inver Coille or Loch Ness Holiday Park are both within spitting distance. From the summit, you get proper views across the Great Glen, with Loch Ness spreading out below and the surrounding mountains creating that dramatic Highland backdrop you came for.

It's the sort of walk that rewards you without demanding a full day's commitment. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the steep sections a slog, but nothing technical. The real appeal is the quick hit of accomplishment - you're up and down in a couple of hours, leaving plenty of time to explore Fort Augustus itself or head back to your campsite before dark.

The mountain gets busy on decent weekends, particularly if the weather's turned fine after rain. Go midweek if you can, or aim for late afternoon when the day-trippers have headed home. It's free, obviously - just turn up and walk. Wear proper boots; the ground can be boggy and loose in places. Not a famous peak by any stretch, but that's partly the point. It's honest work for honest views.