Càrn Odhar

The walk up Càrn Odhar from near Inverness rewards you with proper Highland views across the Moray Firth without the slog of the bigger mountains. It's a straightforward hill rather than a technical peak, which means most fit walkers can manage it in under three hours return. The summit sits at just under 900 metres, so you're high enough to feel like you've achieved something but not so high that the weather turns on you without warning.

On a clear day - and you need to pick your moment in the Highlands - you can see right across to Ben Wyvis and south towards the Cairngorms. The approach isn't dramatic but it's peaceful, which is something you won't say about Ben Nevis. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the final push a bit tedious.

This works beautifully as part of a Highland holiday from Tomatin Glamping Pods, which sits just five miles away. You could knock it off mid-morning and still have time for exploring Inverness or tackling something else in the afternoon. The nearest proper car park requires checking locally - Google Maps will point you right, though parking can be tight in peak season. Go midweek if you can. Expect boggy sections whatever the weather, so proper boots aren't optional. It's not Instagram-famous, which is exactly why it's worth your time.