Cnoc na Sgàile

The walk up Cnoc na Sgàile from Beauly is straightforward enough, and on a clear day the views across the Great Glen make it worth the climb. You're looking at roughly an hour to the summit if you're fit, less if you're racing. The peak itself sits at a modest height but punches above its weight for visibility - Ben Nevis dominates the distant landscape, and the nearer glens spread out rather nicely.

It's the sort of walk that rewards walkers who don't need a Munro to justify their morning. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the ascent dull once the novelty wears off. The path is well-trodden, no scrambling required, just steady uphill. Bring a map though - the summit's less dramatic than some peaks, so you'll want to know you're actually there.

Time-wise, allow two to three hours return depending on your pace and whether you linger to take in the views. There's no charge and no restrictions. If you're camping at Cannich Woodland or staying at Loch Ness Glamping, this works as a half-day outing before heading to somewhere busier. Honestly, it's the kind of walk that locals do without thinking twice - unpretentious, useful, and proper nice in decent weather. Not a destination in itself, but solid for what it is.