Carn an Tuairneir

The walk up Carn an Tuairneir is brief but properly rewarding. At just 658 metres, this isn't one for the hill-bagging obsessives, but the climb from Fort Augustus takes maybe ninety minutes, and the views across the Great Glen are absolutely worth your legs for the day.

You'll spot Loch Ness spreading out below you, and on clearer days the perspective onto the surrounding peaks makes the effort feel earned. The path itself is straightforward enough - nothing technical, just a steady grind through heather and moorland. Families with teenagers would manage it without drama. Younger kids might find the ascent a bit relentless, mind you.

The real advantage is proximity. Fort Augustus is essentially on your doorstep, and if you're based at Inver Coille Camping & Glamping over on Loch Ness, you're looking at a four-mile hop to the trailhead. Perfect for a morning out when the weather plays ball, or as a leg-stretcher between longer hikes in the area.

Free to climb, obviously. No facilities at the top, so bring water. The exposed summit can get blustery, so check the forecast before you head up. It's not a destination that'll consume your entire day, which makes it ideal for a park holiday when you want something active but don't fancy committing eight hours to a proper mountain assault.