Creag a' Bhàird

The walk up Creag a' Bhàird from Pitlochry is straightforward enough - about two hours to the summit if you're moving steadily - but what catches you off guard is how much landscape unfolds the higher you climb. It's not a dramatic peak, more of a solid lump of rock that gives you proper 360-degree views across Perthshire once you're up there. On a clear day you can see for miles across the glens and lochs, which makes the effort worthwhile even if the ascent itself isn't particularly thrilling.

The path is well-trodden and accessible for most fitness levels, though it does get steep in sections. Families with older kids will manage it without complaint. Serious hillwalkers might find it a touch straightforward compared to the bigger Munros nearby, but it's an excellent half-day outing if you don't want to commit to something more punishing. The views back down towards Pitlochry village are the real draw - that's when you realise why people bother.

Go early if you can, especially in summer when the midges start getting ambitious in the late afternoon. Allow three to four hours for a relaxed round trip, including time to sit about and appreciate the scenery. It's a decent warm-up walk if you're based at one of the local caravan parks - Pitilie Pods or Inver Mill Farm are both close by and excellent bases for exploring this bit of Perthshire. The walk itself is free, naturally.