Creag an Sgor

You'll want proper hillwalking boots for this one. Creag an Sgor rises above Strathdon in the heart of the Cairngorms, and it's the sort of peak that rewards you for the effort without demanding anything ridiculous in return. The walk itself takes most people three to four hours return, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath - which you will.

The summit sits at around 663 metres, which means the views across the Cairngorms plateau are genuinely excellent. On a clear day you can see for miles, and the surrounding hills fold away in layers of purple and grey. The rock formations near the top are worth photographing, and the whole thing has that raw, windswept feel that makes Scottish hill walking addictive.

This is proper walker territory. You won't find a cafe at the top or a car park five minutes from the summit. You need to be comfortable on moorland, watch the weather closely - it can turn fast up here - and carry a map. That said, it's not technical climbing. Families with older children who've done a few hills will manage it fine, though younger kids might find the slog a bit much.

Strathdon sits nearby and serves as a handy base, and if you're staying at Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite just down the road, you've got a genuinely good walk on your doorstep. Spring through early autumn are your best bets weather-wise. The peak can be muddy and exposed in winter unless you know what you're doing.