Carn a' Mheallain Odhar

The walk up Carn a' Mheallain Odhar starts gently enough from the Fort Augustus side, but don't let that fool you - this Highland peak demands respect and a decent pair of boots. It's not technically demanding, more a slog than a scramble, but the views from the top make every muddy step worthwhile. You're looking across the Great Glen towards Ben Nevis on a clear day, and down into Loch Ness if you're lucky with the weather.

Allow three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how often you stop for photos. The terrain's a mix of moorland and rough grass, boggy in places after rain - so go in dry conditions if possible. It's the kind of walk that rewards early starts; you'll have the summit largely to yourself before the afternoon crowds arrive from the tourist hotspots near Fort Augustus.

This isn't a walk for young children or anyone looking for a quick stroll. It's proper hillwalking territory. But for anyone staying at Loch Ness Holiday Park or Inver Coille Camping & Glamping, it's a genuine alternative to the well-trodden Ben Nevis trails further south. You get that same sense of accomplishment without the queues. The peak itself is modest by Highland standards - around 730 metres - but the isolation makes it feel wilder than busier mountains. Free to access, as with all Scottish mountains. Go midweek if you can.