Marg na Craige

The walk up Marg na Craige from Newtonmore takes you straight into proper Highland terrain without the faffing about. It's a decent climb - steep enough to feel like you've earned it, but nothing that'll have you regretting your breakfast. The summit sits at just over 2,200 feet, so you get views across the Monadhliath range that genuinely take your breath away, though the weather in the Highlands being what it is, you'll want to time it for one of those rare clear days.

This is one for walkers who know what they're doing. It's not a casual stroll; expect proper mountain boots and a couple of hours each way. Families with young kids will find it tough going, but teenagers keen on hillwalking will get a real kick out of it. The path itself is reasonably well-trodden, which helps, though it can be boggy lower down.

The nearest proper base is Newtonmore, just 2.2 miles from Laggan Glamping & Caravan Site, which has five-star reviews and makes a solid place to land after a morning on the hill. Invernahavon Caravan Park, 4.4 miles away, is equally well-regarded if you want somewhere slightly quieter. Both put you perfectly positioned for tackling the local peaks without burning petrol driving out each morning.

Admission's free - it's Scotland's hills, after all. Go in summer if you want any chance of dodging the worst of the weather, and bring a map. Phone signal's dodgy up there.