Ghlas-bheinn

The walk up Ghlas-bheinn takes you straight into the kind of wild Highland landscape that justifies the drive to Durness. It's a proper hill rather than a gentle stroll - expect steep ground and some scrambling near the top, but the effort pays off with views across to Handa Island and down towards Balchrick Beach. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Summer Isles. The mountain itself isn't massive at around 620 metres, but the exposed position means the weather can turn quickly, so check conditions before you head out.

Walkers will find this one genuinely worthwhile. It's the kind of place where you feel like you've actually earned the summit rather than just shuffled uphill on a well-trodden path. Allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. The terrain is rocky and can be boggy lower down - proper hill boots recommended.

If you're based at Sango Sands Oasis nearby, Ghlas-bheinn makes an excellent morning expedition before heading back for lunch. The park sits just six miles away, making it a convenient base for exploring this corner of the northwest coast. Spring through to early autumn offer the most reliable weather, though summer midges can be relentless in certain conditions. It's not a peak for families with young children or those after an easy ramble, but hill enthusiasts will rate it highly for the isolation and the views.