Burifa' Hill

The walk up Burifa' Hill rewards you with proper views across the north coast once you've crested the top - which takes a fair old hike from Thurso. It's not a massive peak, but the effort feels justified when the weather's kind and you can see right out to the Pentland Firth.

This is walker territory. Bring decent boots and a map - the paths aren't marked brilliantly, and the Highland terrain can turn on you fast. On a clear day you're looking at anything from two to three hours round trip depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath. The views are genuinely worth the slog, though I won't pretend it's a casual stroll.

Families with older kids will manage it fine if they're used to hills. Younger ones might find it a bit of a grind. History buffs won't find much at the summit itself - it's the landscape that talks here, not plaques and ruins.

If you're camping at Little Croft Highlands or staying near Thurso, Burifa' Hill makes an excellent day out. The campsite sits just 3.8 miles away, so you're not racing against daylight hours if you want a leisurely breakfast before heading out. There's little to no infrastructure on the hill itself - bring water, snacks, and a proper jacket. The exposed top catches the wind something fierce even on calm days.

Worth the detour if you're keen on Highland walks. Not worth the journey if you just fancy an easy meander with sweeping views - there are better options for that.