Cnoc Blar na Curaich

The walk up Cnoc Blar na Curaich from Ardgay is a cracking little hill that punches above its weight. You're looking at roughly two hours up and back, nothing too strenuous, and the views across the Highlands properly open up once you crest the ridge. The summit itself isn't dramatically high, but the vantage point over the Dornoch Firth makes it worth the effort.

This is one for walkers who want proper scenery without spending half the day on a mountain. It's accessible enough that reasonably fit families with older kids could manage it, though the path gets boggy in places - decent boots essential. The locals in Ardgay are your best bet for recent intel on ground conditions; weather shifts fast up here.

Timing-wise, aim for a clear day because cloud will rob you of the whole reason you came. Spring through early autumn works best. There's no fee and no facilities on the hill, so take what you need.

If you're staying at Ardgay Glamping, this sits perfectly into a Highland holiday mix - far enough up the glen to feel like a proper walk, close enough to base that you're not spending the whole day getting there. Pair it with the valley exploration, then back to the site for something hot. It's the sort of summit that reminds you why people bother with Scottish hills at all - nothing fancy, just proper landscape and a decent perspective on where you are.