Hill of Rigifa'

The walk up to Rigifa' takes you well away from the main tourist trails around Thurso, which is precisely why it's worth the effort. It's a modest peak by Highland standards, but that's rather the point - you get genuine solitude without the crowds that clog up Ben Loyal or other famous summits further south.

The ascent isn't technically demanding, though the ground can be boggy in places and the wind has a habit of whipping across the exposed sections without warning. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're not dawdling. The views from the top stretch across the Flow Country's vast moorland, which some find hypnotic and others find rather bleak depending on your mood and the weather.

This is squarely a walk for people who actually enjoy walking, rather than those seeking an Instagram moment at a viewpoint car park. Children will find it moderately interesting if they're the outdoorsy sort; very young legs might struggle with the distance. Historians won't find much here - it's simply a hill, though the landscape tells its own story about the sparse population of the far north.

The nearest base is Little Croft Highlands just outside Thurso, a well-regarded campsite that makes a solid jumping-off point for exploring this corner of Scotland. Rigifa' works best as part of a broader day exploring the moorland rather than as a standalone destination. Weather can turn quickly, so go prepared and check conditions beforehand.