Cùl Beag

A proper mountain walk rather than a casual stroll, Cùl Beag sits just west of Strathpeffer and rises to 2,523 metres - more than manageable for anyone with decent fitness and a few hours to spare. The ascent isn't relentless, which is the saving grace; the terrain rewards steady effort rather than punishing the unprepared.

What makes this peak worth the graft is the view across the Northern Highlands once you're up there. On a clear day you can pick out Ben Wyvis and the Fannich hills, and if the cloud gods are kind, the wider vista opens right across to the coast. The walk takes around three to four hours there and back depending on your pace, and you'll want proper boots - the paths are rocky and can be boggy in places.

This is squarely a walkers' peak, not a destination for families with young kids or anyone after an hour's gentle ramble. But if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Beauly Holiday Park and fancy a proper Highland challenge without the extreme scrambling, it delivers. The approach is straightforward enough - park near the starting point and head up the glen. No fees, no gates, just you and the Highlands.

Time it right and catch the light on the higher slopes in late afternoon. Miss it and you're trudging up in cloud cover, which rather diminishes the appeal.