Geal-charn

The walk up Geal-charn from near Aviemore is a straightforward hill that punches above its weight. At 811 metres, it's not going to exhaust you - most walkers tackle it in a couple of hours - but the views across the Cairngorms plateau are genuinely worth the effort.

You'll climb through mixed woodland before breaking into open moorland where the ridge starts to reveal itself properly. On a clear day, which is exactly when you should do this walk, you can see right across to Ben Macdui and beyond. The summit cairn is modest but the surroundings aren't. It's the sort of walk that feels like a proper mountain outing without actually being a proper mountain, which suits families with teenage kids or anyone wanting a decent walk without committing to a full Cairngorm day.

There's no charge - it's open access hill - and you can be up and down before lunch. The approach from Aviemore is straightforward enough. October and September are cracking months when the light sits differently on the plateau and you'll dodge the worst of the midges.

If you're based at Dalraddy Holiday Park nearby, this pairs well with a day exploring the Cairngorm National Park proper, or heading into Aviemore for a coffee when you're done. It's not a technical scramble and it won't take half your holiday, which makes it ideal filler between bigger outings. Do it on a windy day and you'll regret it. Pick decent weather and you'll understand why people keep coming back to this corner of the Highlands.