Càrn Liathdoire

Getting up Càrn Liathdoire is a straightforward hill walk that rewards you with proper Highland views over the Great Glen. It's not dramatic or technical - more of a solid leg-stretcher than a serious expedition - but that's precisely why it works well if you're based around Inverness and fancy something between a casual stroll and a full day's climbing.

The peak itself isn't particularly high or distinctive to look at, but the vantage point over Loch Ness and the surrounding glens gives you a real sense of the landscape's scale. On clear days you can pick out distant peaks. The walk takes roughly two to three hours return from the car park, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath on the steeper sections. There's no scrambling required, just solid boot work.

This suits walkers after something achievable without too much faffing about - families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the final push tedious. It's the sort of hill where you can pitch up in the morning, tick it off by early afternoon, then have time for a proper lunch in Inverness afterwards.

If you're staying at Loch Ness Shores just down the road, this becomes an obvious choice for a half-day venture. Conditions matter here - midges can be fierce in summer evenings, and visibility can go pear-shaped quickly in poor weather, so pick your window carefully. Free to do, naturally, and worth the effort if you want a genuine Highland walk without the commitment of Ben Nevis.