Meall a' Bhealaich

The walk up Meall a' Bhealaich isn't particularly long, but it's relentless. Starting from near Kyle, you're climbing from the off - no gentle warm-up, just straight into the kind of gradient that makes your legs remind you why you've been meaning to get fitter. The views from the 835-metre summit though, that's where it pays off.

On a clear day, you can see right across to the Isle of Skye. The surrounding hills roll on endlessly, and there's a real sense of isolation up there - you won't find crowds, which is precisely the point. The peak itself is bare and windswept, so bring a proper jacket. It's the sort of walk where you'll want to allow three to four hours return, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.

This is one for walkers rather than families with young children, though keen teenagers would manage it fine. It works brilliantly if you're based at Glenshiel Campsite a few miles down the road - close enough for a morning outing without burning half your day on the drive. The route isn't particularly technical, just tiring, which means it's accessible to most people with decent boots and a reasonable fitness level.

Truly free, like all Scottish peaks. Go midweek if you can; weekends bring more folk out this way, and the track gets properly churned up.