Carn Mhic Raonuill

The walk up Carn Mhic Raonuill from Fort Augustus is straightforward enough, but don't expect jaw-dropping views to reward your effort. At just over 2,000 feet, it's a decent half-day outing if you're staying in the area - the sort of thing that fills a morning without dominating your itinerary.

What you get is a Highland peak that feels properly wild without requiring serious scrambling or navigation skills. The ascent takes roughly two hours up, perhaps ninety minutes back down if you're not dawdling. On a clear day the Loch Ness views are fine, though hardly transformative. The real draw is the walk itself rather than what's waiting at the top.

It works particularly well for families with older kids who've already conquered easier Scottish peaks and want something with a bit more substance. This isn't a trudge up a grassy slope - there's genuine Highland character to it, with rough ground and proper sense of elevation. Younger children might find it a slog without particularly exciting payoff.

Fort Augustus sits right at Loch Ness's southern tip, which means you're brilliantly positioned for exploring the broader area. Loch Ness Highland Resort is only five miles away - handy base if you're planning a few days of walking. Tackle Carn Mhic Raonuill on day two after acclimatising with a gentler outing, and you'll appreciate the effort more. Free to access, naturally - it's a Scottish hill. Go for it if the weather's solid.