Carn na Fiacail

The walk up Carn na Fiacail rewards you with proper Highland views - nothing fancy, just solid moorland and distant ridges that stretch toward Inverness. It's a decent hill rather than a serious peak, and that's exactly why it works well. The climb takes a couple of hours there and back, depending on your pace and knees, so it's manageable even if you're not a fell runner.

You'll get the best from this if you're after a decent walk without committing to a full day in the mountains. The path is reasonable enough, though bog can be a factor depending on the season - waterproof boots aren't optional. It's good training ground for families with older kids who've done a few smaller peaks before, though young children might find it tedious.

Timing matters. Early morning keeps the midges at bay, and you'll dodge the afternoon cloud that rolls in. Admission is free - it's open access land - and you can walk it in any daylight hours you fancy.

If you're staying at one of the Loch Ness parks nearby - Loch Ness Holiday Park or the Shores site are both solid options - Carn na Fiacail makes a cracking half-day out. It breaks up the routine of loch-side strolls without being an epic undertaking. Done by lunchtime, which leaves the afternoon for other bits around Inverness or a proper explore of the loch itself.