Creag Dubh

The walk up Creag Dubh from near Inverness isn't technically demanding, but it delivers proper Highland views without requiring mountaineering skills. You're looking at a straightforward ascent through moorland and sparse woodland to a decent vantage point overlooking the Great Glen - on a clear day, the sight lines stretch for miles across the Highlands.

It's a walker's hill rather than a scrambler's challenge. Most people can manage it in under three hours return, which makes it ideal if you want something more substantial than a stroll but aren't up for a full day expedition. The path is reasonably well-trodden, though bog is unavoidable after rain - wellingtons aren't overkill.

History types might appreciate the position: you're standing on ground that's seen centuries of Highland movement and conflict, though there's nothing to point that out when you arrive. It's the views and the walk itself that justify the effort.

If you're based at Go Glamping at Loch Ness, this is easily done as a half-day trip - close enough to base but far enough away to feel like proper hiking. The weather up here changes faster than it does in town, so check conditions before you head out. Free to access, no facilities at the summit, bring water and a windproof. Worth it if you're already in the area, though it's not the kind of destination that warrants a special journey on its own.