Càrn Bad an Daimh

The walk up Càrn Bad an Daimh is more honest than it is showy. At 2,612 feet, it's not high enough to feel properly alpine, but it's steep enough that you'll know you've worked for the view. From Inverness, you're looking at around an hour's drive to the trailhead, so this isn't a casual afternoon stroll.

What you get is a genuine Highland experience without the crowds that plague Ben Nevis. The path climbs through mixed woodland before opening onto moorland, where the landscape flattens into those vast, rolling vistas that make you understand why people move here. On a clear day, you can see across to other peaks in the range. On a dull one - which is more than half the time - the low cloud turns it into something rather atmospheric and moody.

This one's for walkers who actually enjoy walking, not Instagram hunters. The terrain is rough underfoot, boggy in places, and the final push to the summit demands proper boots and decent fitness. Three to four hours there and back, depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath. Free, obviously. No visitor centre, no facilities - take a packed lunch.

Stay at Tomatin Glamping Pods just five miles away if you want something comfortable after the hike. The pods are excellent - far better than pitching a tent in October. It's the kind of place where a day on the hill feels properly earned, not just ticked off a list.