Clach-mheall Beag

The walk up Clach-mheall Beag is quick, steep, and worth every minute if you're based around Newtonmore. This modest peak rises sharp and sudden from the Monadhliath moorland - nothing massive, but it punches above its weight for views. On a clear day you're looking across the Spey Valley towards the Cairngorms, which alone justifies the huff and puff to the top.

It's a proper hill walker's warm-up rather than an all-day expedition. Most people bag the summit in under two hours from the car park, making it ideal if you've got restless kids or limited daylight. The terrain's rough moorland and fairly exposed, so waterproofs are non-negotiable even when it looks fine in the valley.

This works brilliantly as part of a Monadhliath loop if you're staying at Invernahavon Caravan Park nearby - you could combine it with a gentle valley walk the same afternoon without overdoing it. The approach from Newtonmore side is straightforward, though the navigation can get woolly in cloud, so pick your weather.

Families with teenagers who don't mind a tough scramble will get something out of it. Casual walkers might find it a bit relentless for what's essentially a moorland bump. It's free, unrestricted access, and you'll rarely see crowds. That's the appeal really - proper Highland walking without the Cairngorm visitor infrastructure.