Càrn Odhar

The walk up Càrn Odhar from Aviemore isn't long, but it's steep enough to remind you why you've been putting off hillwalking. The peak sits at just over 900 metres, which means the climb is properly challenging rather than genuinely alpine - a good middle ground if you're fed up with flat woodland trails but not ready to tackle the Cairngorms themselves.

From the top, you get sweeping views across the Spey Valley and down towards Aviemore. On a clear day it's genuinely worth the sweat. On a grey one, which in the Highlands is frankly most days, it's a bit of a slog for views of absolutely nothing.

You'll want a decent pair of boots. The terrain is rocky and muddy in patches, and there's no path once you're a certain way up - just bracken and scree. Allow two to three hours return from the car park. It's free, naturally, and there are no restrictions on access.

This works well if you're based at Dalraddy Holiday Park nearby. It's the sort of walk that'll tire the kids out properly without requiring a full day's commitment. Families with older children will manage it fine. Younger ones will likely spend half the descent being carried, which rather defeats the purpose.

Go in the morning if you can. The afternoon light in this valley is often murky, and you'll want decent visibility for both the views and the dodgy footing on descent.