Cross Craigs

The walk up Cross Craigs from Pitlochry is one of those proper satisfying hill days that doesn't require specialist kit or hours of commitment. You're looking at a couple of hours from start to summit, which means you can knock it out before lunch and still have the afternoon free.

The views across Perthshire from the top are genuinely good - not just a photo op, but the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people settle in this part of Scotland. On a clear day you can see right across to the distant hills. The peak itself isn't dramatic - no jagged rocks or dizzying drops - which is exactly why it works so well for families who want proper hiking without the exposure.

It's a steady climb rather than a scramble, which means it's manageable for older kids and less confident walkers, though your legs will definitely know you've done something by the end. The path is well-marked from Pitlochry and the ground underfoot is reasonable. Allow three hours return if you're taking photographs and lingering at the top.

If you're staying at Kilvrecht Campsite nearby, this sits perfectly into a Tayside holiday without eating up your entire day. Come in late spring or early autumn when the midges are less vindictive and the light is still decent in the evening. Worth doing for the views and the sense of achievement, even if it's not the most dramatic peak in the region.