Càrn Thollaidh

The walk up Càrn Thollaidh from Kyle of Lochalsh takes you through proper Highland terrain - nothing fancy, just a straightforward slog up a moorland slope with views that open up the further you climb. It's not a dramatic peak by any means, more of a rounded hill that sits above the town, but that's rather the point. The summit gives you the panorama across Loch Alsh and towards Skye without requiring scrambling skills or serious altitude.

Allow two hours round trip if you're reasonably fit and not stopping too much. It's free, obviously - just park sensibly near Kyle and head up. The path isn't formally maintained so conditions vary with the weather. Wet days make it muddy and a bit grim, but clear weather rewards you with sight lines across to Ben Aslak and the Applecross hills. Kids will manage it fine if they're used to hills, though there's nothing to keep them entertained at the top beyond the view.

If you're staying at Reraig Caravan & Camping on Skye - just across the water - this makes a decent morning or late-afternoon outing. It won't compete with bigger Highland peaks, but if you're in Kyle waiting for ferry time or based nearby for a few days, it's a solid way to spend an hour without driving anywhere. Worth doing on a clear day; skip it if the cloud's down.