Cnoc Fyrish

The cairn structure perched on Cnoc Fyrish's summit is impossible to miss - a proper monument that looks like something from a Victorian fever dream. It's an obelisk, really, built in the 1780s by Sir Hector Munro to commemorate his military service in India, and it dominates the Highland skyline around Dingwall with theatrical flair.

The walk itself is straightforward but not gentle. You're looking at roughly an hour and a half up from the car park, following a clear path through moorland that opens up as you climb. The views across the Great Glen are worth every breath - on a clear day you see right across to Ben Wyvis. The monument itself is more interesting from a distance than close-up; it's solid stone but weather-worn, and the views from the top justify the slog far more than the structure itself does.

This suits hillwalkers and anyone who fancies a proper leg-stretcher without needing scrambling skills or technical bits. It's not particularly family-friendly unless your kids are used to rough walking - the terrain's boggy in places and there's no café waiting at the top. Go when the weather's decent; Cnoc Fyrish in cloud and drizzle loses half its appeal.

If you're based at Blackrock Caravan Park or Newmore Highland Pods, this makes an excellent half-day outing. It's close enough to Dingwall for an easy drive, isolated enough to feel remote, and rewards effort with genuine Highland character rather than tourist polish. Worth the detour if you're already in the area.