Càrn Geal

The walk up Càrn Geal from Pitlochry is straightforward enough, and that's precisely why it works so well. You're looking at a modest hill rather than a serious peak - around 600 metres - but the views across Perthshire more than justify the effort. The path climbs steadily through woodland before opening onto moorland with proper 360-degree visibility on a clear day. You can see Schiehalion dominating the horizon, and on good weather the whole valley spreads below you.

It takes roughly ninety minutes to two hours up and down, depending on fitness and how often you stop. The terrain isn't technical - no scrambling, no exposed edges - which makes it genuinely suitable for families with older kids and reasonably fit adults. Younger children might find the slog tedious, but walkers will appreciate both the exercise and the relatively quiet nature of the route compared to the more famous peaks nearby.

Pitlochry sits right on your doorstep, about an hour's drive north of Edinburgh, and it's perfectly positioned if you're basing yourself at one of the caravan parks in the area. Faskally Woods Holiday Park and River Tilt Park both put you within easy striking distance. The hill works brilliantly as a morning walk before heading into town for lunch, or as a late-afternoon climb if you want to catch the light changing across the glens. No fees, no faffing about with booking - just turn up and go. It's the kind of walk that reminds you why people move to Scotland.