Càrn Liath

The walk up Càrn Liath is straightforward enough - a proper hill rather than a slog. It sits near Inverness, making it an easy half-day outing if you're based at Loch Ness Shores or anywhere in the area. The summit isn't dramatic, but the views across the Moray Firth and back towards the Great Glen are genuinely worth the effort, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles.

This is hill-walking terrain without the faffing about - good for families with older kids who can manage a couple of hours on their feet, or anyone wanting a straightforward Highlands walk without technical scrambling. The path is reasonably well-trodden and the ascent steady rather than brutal. Allow two to three hours return from the car park, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.

Go when the midges aren't at their worst - spring or early summer tend to be sweeter options than August. It's free to walk, obviously, which is one of the joys of Scottish hills. The real advantage is how easily it slots into a broader park holiday around Inverness - you're not locked into a long drive, so you can fit it around other activities without eating half the day on the road. Proper job for a morning wander before heading to the nearby lochs or exploring Inverness itself. Nothing fancy, just honest walking.