Cairn Vungie

The walk up Cairn Vungie starts gentle enough, but don't let that fool you - this Highland peak demands proper respect and decent boots. Rising above the moorland south of Inverness, it's a proper hill rather than a gentle stroll, with views that stretch across the Moray Firth on a clear day. The summit cairn sits at around 700 metres, and the landscape shifts from woodland at the base through heather moorland to the windswept top.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a quick tick-box exercise - allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on your pace and fitness. Families with older children who enjoy a challenge will manage it fine, but younger kids might find the exposed sections tedious. The ground can be boggy lower down, especially after rain, so waterproofs aren't optional.

What makes Cairn Vungie worth the effort is its isolation. You won't find crowds here like you would on busier peaks. The views reward you properly - looking out across the valley towards Loch Ness and beyond. On a wet day, it's grim; on a clear afternoon, it's genuinely special.

If you're based at one of the Loch Ness holiday parks - Inver Coille, Loch Ness Highland Resort, or Loch Ness Holiday Park are all within five miles - this makes for a solid morning or afternoon excursion. It's the sort of walk that justifies a lazy evening afterwards.