Hill of Lour

The walk up Hill of Lour starts gentle enough, but don't be fooled - those final 300 metres get properly steep. Most people tackle it from near Forfar, and on a clear day the views across Angus and towards the Grampians make the climb worthwhile. The summit cairn sits at 1,087 metres, giving you the kind of perspective that makes the Highlands feel genuinely vast.

It's a solid two-hour round trip for anyone with reasonable fitness, though walkers will want to allow longer to properly explore the moorland. Kids can manage it, but expect complaints on the way down - the descent is relentless on the knees. The peak itself is bare and windswept, which means you get unobstructed views rather than forest scenery. That's either brilliant or bleak depending on the weather.

Go early and you'll avoid the weekend crowds. The path can be boggy after rain, so proper boots matter. There's no cafe, no visitor centre, nothing really - just moorland and your own pace.

If you're based at Greenhillock Glamping nearby, this works as a proper day out without needing to drive elsewhere. It's genuine upland walking rather than a gentle stroll, and that's exactly what makes it worth the effort. Not a sightseeing tick-box, but a proper hill.