Maol Chnoc

The walk up Maol Chnoc isn't long, but it's steep enough to catch you out if you've underestimated it. The peak sits near Inverness, making it a proper option for a quick Highland fix without committing to a full day's hiking. You get proper views across the surrounding moorland from the top - nothing that'll blow your mind on a clear day, but the kind of perspective that reminds you why you came north in the first place.

This one's for walkers rather than casual strollers. Families with older kids will manage fine, though younger ones might find the gradient tedious. The path itself is straightforward; you won't need navigation kit in decent weather. Allow two hours return if you're not rushing, maybe less if you're fit.

It works well as a morning tick-off if you're staying at Loch Ness Shores just down the road - gives you something to do before heading to the loch itself or exploring further afield around Inverness. The proximity to town means you can pair it with other activities rather than treating it as a destination in itself. Free to walk, obviously. Go in decent weather; mist strips away the whole point of climbing.