Carn na Ruighe Duibhe

The walk up Carn na Ruighe Duibhe takes you into proper Highland terrain just a few miles south of Beauly. It's not a huge peak by Scottish standards - more of a solid hill walk than a mountain expedition - but the views across the Great Glen justify the effort.

You'll be looking at roughly two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath. The path isn't waymarked in the way some peaks are, so you need a decent map or GPS, especially if mist rolls in. Which it will, because this is the Highlands. On a clear day though, you get sight lines down towards the Moray Firth and back across to the Cairngorms.

This is proper walker territory. Families with young children will find it a bit much unless the kids are already used to rough terrain. The reward isn't dramatic rock formations or a summit shelter - it's the walking itself and those long views when the weather cooperates.

If you're staying at Cannich Woodland Camping just up the road, it makes an excellent afternoon objective. Free to walk, of course. Allow a good half-day, though you could make it snappier if you're just after the exercise rather than lingering over the vista. The best approach is probably from the south side, though do check current conditions before heading out - Highlands weather changes faster than you'd think.