Càrn Ruigh Thuim

The walk up Càrn Ruigh Thuim rewards you with genuinely open views across the Cairngorms, and it's one of those peaks that doesn't require mountaineer credentials to reach. From Grantown-on-Spey, you're looking at a straightforward hike that'll take most people three to four hours round trip, depending on fitness and how much time you spend standing about gawping at the landscape.

What you get is moorland terrain - heather, granite, the works - and once you're up there the Spey Valley spreads out below you properly. On a clear day it's stunning. On a grey one, well, you get the full Scottish Highland experience. Walkers will absolutely make the most of this. The terrain isn't technical, just steady uphill, so families with capable legs can manage it fine. You're not scrambling or anything dramatic.

The peak itself is fairly bare - a cairn, some wind, brilliant views if the weather cooperates. Bring layers and decent boots. There's no visitor infrastructure at the top, so it's just you and the elements and the view. Free access, obviously, and no set times to worry about.

If you're staying at ACE Adventures up the road near Grantown, this makes a proper morning or afternoon outing. Combines brilliantly with exploring the lower Cairngorms walks in the area - you could easily string together a few peaks across a week. Not massive, not technical, but satisfying and genuinely worth the walk.