Càrn Ghiubhais

The walk up Càrn Ghiubhais from Forres isn't long, but it rewards you with views that stretch across Moray and down towards the Cairngorms on a clear day. This is proper Highland walking without needing a full day commitment - the summit sits at just over 300 metres, making it accessible for most fitness levels, though the final push gets steep enough to make you work for it.

You'll find yourself on open moorland with heather underfoot, the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people come to Scotland. The peak itself is marked by a cairn, naturally, and the views south-westward are genuinely impressive. On a misty day you'll see precious little, mind you, so weather matters here.

Families with older kids will get on well with this one - it's not a slog, but it's not a gentle stroll either. Walkers looking for a decent leg-stretcher between bigger expeditions will find it satisfying. Allow two to three hours there and back depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

If you're based at ACE Adventures & Hideaways nearby, this makes an excellent morning walk before settling into camp activities. The moorland terrain keeps things interesting enough that you won't feel like you're trudging the same path twice, even if some people find the landscape a bit bleak. Best visited spring through autumn when the paths aren't boggy.