Cnoc Liath

Cnoc Liath sits about 5.7 miles from Fort Augustus, a modest hill that doesn't announce itself as anything special until you're actually climbing it. The summit comes in at 653 metres - nothing that'll have serious hillwalkers reaching for their ice axes, but enough to make it a proper afternoon's work.

What draws people here is the view across Loch Ness rather than the peak itself. On a clear day you get the full length of the loch spread out below you, and Fort Augustus tucked into the landscape like a toy town. The walk is straightforward enough for families with teenagers or anyone looking for a half-day outing without the slog of the bigger Munros. Give yourself a couple of hours there and back from the base.

It's very much a local's route - the kind of walk you do when you're staying at Loch Ness Highland Resort nearby and want to stretch your legs without committing to a full day in the hills. The path is well-trodden but can get boggy after rain, so waterproof boots aren't optional. Midges can be grim in summer, particularly July and August.

Worth it? For what it is, yes. It's free, accessible, and beats sitting in Fort Augustus waiting for the Loch Ness Monster to appear. If you're planning a proper hillwalking holiday in the Highlands, this works as a warm-up or a rest day activity. Just don't expect solitude or dramatic scenery - it's honest, workmanlike terrain.