Dog Falls

The walk to Dog Falls takes you through Strathglass, a proper Highland valley that doesn't get the crowds you'd find at more famous Cairngorms spots. It's a straightforward trek from Beauly - maybe thirty minutes from the town centre - following the River Glass as it gets narrower and steeper until the water suddenly drops into a tight gorge.

The falls themselves aren't enormous, but they're dramatic where they matter. Water crashes into a dark pool surrounded by pine and birch, and on a decent day the light cuts through the trees at just the right angle. You'll want to allow a good hour for the round trip from the car park, longer if you're stopping for photos or just sitting by the water.

Walkers will appreciate this one far more than casual strollers - there's scrambling involved and the path can be boggy. Children who are confident on their feet will manage fine; toddlers might struggle with the rougher stretches. The area's quiet enough that you'll hear the water properly, which is the whole point really.

It pairs well with a stay at Cannich Woodland Camping and Caravan Park just down the valley. Free to visit, and best tackled in the morning before the light gets too strong. Spring and autumn offer the most water and the fewest midges - summer can be both beautiful and absolutely vicious depending on the weather.