Carn nan Dubh Lochan

The walk up Carn nan Dubh Lochan is a proper hill rather than a mountain, which makes it unexpectedly good for families who've got tired legs but want to bag a peak. You're looking at roughly two hours up and back from Fort Augustus, following a path that climbs steadily without becoming a scramble. The summit itself sits at 397 metres - not high enough to feel remote, but high enough that the views over Loch Ness and the Great Glen are genuinely worth the effort.

What sells it, honestly, is the proximity to town. You can park near Fort Augustus, smash out this walk before lunch, then pitch up at one of the nearby parks like Loch Ness Holiday Park or Inver Coille without having driven for hours first. It's the kind of hill that appeals to walkers who want achievement without the commitment of Ben Nevis. Children from about eight upwards will manage it fine on a dry day, though the path can get boggy in places.

There's a small lochan (mountain pool) near the top - hence the name - which is rather lovely on a still morning. Weather changes fast up here, so go early and check conditions beforehand. Free to walk, obviously, and there's parking space at the trailhead. If you're staying at Loch Ness Highland Resort or any of the other parks scattered around the area, it's a cracking way to stretch your legs between exploring the loch itself and tackling longer routes.