Càrn Choire Riabhaich

The walk up Càrn Choire Riabhaich isn't long, but it's properly steep in places and the reward is a sudden, almost violent shift in perspective once you crest the ridge. From Inverness, it takes under an hour to reach the trailhead, and another hour to summit if you're moving at a decent pace. The peak itself sits at 807 metres and commands views across the Great Glen that genuinely make you understand why people have fought wars over this landscape for centuries.

It's not a technical climb - no scrambling required, no exposure to speak of - which makes it solid for confident hill walkers with decent legs but without the gear or experience for something gnarlier. Families might find it a bit much; the ascent is relentless and there's not much to do once you're up besides enjoy the views and eat your sandwiches. Solo hikers and couples will get the most from it. The surrounding moorland can be boggy lower down, especially after rain, so good waterproof boots matter.

If you're based at Loch Ness Shores - the excellent caravan site just under four miles away - this makes an honest morning's work without eating your whole day. Fair weather is essential; the summit gets clag in fairly quickly and there's not much shelter once clouds roll in. On a clear day though, it's worth every sweaty step.