Carn Mor

The walk up Carn Mor rewards you with proper Highland views - moorland rolling away in every direction, and on a clear day you can pick out the Moray Firth glinting in the distance. It's not a massive peak, but it doesn't need to be. The summit gives you that genuine sense of elevation without requiring climbing boots or a rope.

This is a straightforward hill walk from Inverness, taking roughly two to three hours depending on your pace and fitness. The path is well-trodden and manageable for most people, though it gets boggy in places so decent boots matter. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find it a bit long. Walkers passing through the Highlands will genuinely appreciate the views, and if you're the type who likes ticking off peaks, it's a solid addition to your list.

There's no visitor centre or facilities up top - bring water and snacks. The whole thing is free, obviously, being a Scottish mountain. Best visited in the drier months, though even then you'll likely encounter mud.

If you're staying at Loch Ness Holiday Park or Inver Coille just down the road, Carn Mor works perfectly as a half-day outing. It fills that gap between breakfast and an afternoon by the loch without eating into your entire schedule. The views back towards Loch Ness itself are worth the effort.