Cnoc a' Phollain Bheith

The walk up Cnoc a' Phollain Bheith is a proper hill scramble rather than a casual stroll, and that's exactly what makes it worth doing. This Highland peak sits near Sutherland with views that stretch across the moorland in ways you simply won't find on the main tourist routes. The ascent isn't technical - no ropes or climbing gear needed - but it's steep enough that you'll feel like you've earned something by the top.

What strikes you most is the isolation. You're not queuing with other walkers or dodging groups on their way down. The landscape opens up in shades of brown and purple, with distant lochs catching whatever light the Scottish sky decides to offer. Allow a good two to three hours return, depending on your fitness and how long you linger at the summit. It's the sort of place where you could sit quietly and actually hear the wind properly.

This appeals most to walkers with some experience - nothing extreme, but you need to be comfortable on rough ground. Families with teenagers would manage fine on a decent day, though younger kids might find the gradient tedious. The reward is genuine solitude and a real sense of the Highlands rather than their postcard version.

Clachtoll Beach Campsite is just 4.4 miles away, making this an easy addition to a proper outdoor break in the area. No facilities on the hill itself, so bring water and something to eat. Best tackled in drier months when the ground isn't boggy and visibility actually lets you see what you're climbing towards.