Cnoc na h-lolaire

The walk up Cnoc na h-Iolaire from Strathdon is a proper little Highland jaunt that doesn't demand a full day but rewards you with views that feel like you've earned them. It's not a massive climb - the summit sits at a decent height without being punishing - and the path is straightforward enough that you won't waste hours route-finding. The landscape opens up as you climb, rolling across moorland with that particular shade of purple-brown you only see in Aberdeenshire. On a clear day the Cairngorms fill the horizon.

This one suits walkers who want something genuine but aren't after a eight-hour expedition. Kids aged ten and up will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the moorland a bit dull on the way up - it's not dramatic enough to distract from tired legs. History types will appreciate that you're walking through proper working Highland country, not a tourist trail.

The nearest base is Strathdon itself, a proper working village that doesn't fuss about visitors. Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite is just over a mile away and worth the money if you want somewhere decent to sleep after the walk. Howe of Torbeg sits further out if you'd rather be deeper in the glens. Either way, this peak slots well into a longer Cairngorms park holiday - it's the kind of walk you do on a day you want to move but not completely knacker yourself. Allow a couple of hours up and back, maybe longer if you're moving slowly or the weather turns.