Carn Eitidh

The walk up Carn Eitidh isn't going to win any popularity contests, but that's precisely why it's worth doing. This Highland peak sits a few miles south-east of Inverness, far enough away that most visitors never bother, close enough that you can knock it off as a half-day mission.

It's a straightforward hill walk rather than technical climbing - moorland underfoot, decent views across the Moray Firth on a clear day, and if you time it right, you'll have the place almost to yourself. The summit itself won't take your breath away - no dramatic ridges or sudden vistas - but there's something satisfying about reaching the top of something proper, even if it's not famous.

Walkers will get more from this than casual strollers. Give it two to three hours round trip depending on fitness. The terrain is rough in places, so proper boots matter. It's free, naturally, being a Scottish hill.

If you're based at Tomatin Glamping Pods nearby, this makes a solid morning or early-afternoon walk before heading back for comfort. The pods sit just four or five miles away, making Carn Eitidh an obvious local option without needing to drive far. It's not the sort of peak that'll dominate your holiday, but if you're staying in the area and fancy a genuine hill walk rather than a visitor-centre tick-box, get yourself up here. Weather dependent, mind.