Càrn Bàn

The walk up Càrn Bàn from Newtonmore is straightforward enough, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a doddle. This Cairngorm outlier sits at just over 2,000 feet, making it a proper hill rather than a mountain, and the path climbs steadily through moorland with views that open up as you gain height. The summit itself isn't dramatic - no dramatic rocky crags or sudden drops - but that's rather the point. On a clear day you're looking out across the Spey Valley towards the main Cairngorm plateau, and south towards Ben Alder's long ridge. Allow two to three hours from the car park for a comfortable round trip.

This is walkers' country, genuinely. Families with decent hill legs will manage it fine, though younger children might find the steady climb a bit relentless. The terrain is mostly grass and heather, so weather can change things quickly - bring a waterproof even if the forecast looks dodgy. It's the sort of hill you climb for the walking rather than the destination, which is entirely fair enough.

If you're staying at Laggan Glamping and Caravan Site just down the road, Càrn Bàn makes a natural half-day expedition. It's not the sort of place that'll take your breath away like the high Cairngorms do, but it's honest walking with decent views and no crowds to speak of. Worth doing if you're in the area, though not worth a special trip on its own.