Carn na Cloiche

The walk up Carn na Cloiche isn't long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. Starting from near Grantown-on-Spey, this modest Highland peak rises to just over 600 metres - hardly a serious mountain, but the views across Strathspey make it worth the effort.

On a clear day you can see proper distance from the top. The Cairngorms dominate to the south, and the rolling moorland spreads out below in that particular shade of purple-brown that only Scottish uplands manage. The walk takes most people around two hours there and back, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

This is one for walkers who want actual height gain without committing to a full day in the hills. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might grumble on the steeper sections. The terrain is rough in places - proper boots are worth wearing rather than trainers.

You'll need to be self-sufficient here. There are no facilities on the mountain, so bring water and something to eat. The best time is late spring through early autumn when the weather's less likely to turn nasty halfway up.

Staying at Grantown on Spey Caravan Park puts you perfectly placed for this walk. It's close enough for a morning outing, leaving your afternoon free to explore the town's whisky heritage or venture further into the Cairngorms. The peak works well as part of a longer walking holiday in the area rather than a solo destination.