Meall a' Chaisteil

The walk up Meall a' Chaisteil from Ullapool is straightforward without being dull. At 743 metres, it's manageable in a morning - you're looking at around two hours up, perhaps ninety minutes down if you've got decent knees. The path isn't technical; it's the sort of Highland hill that rewards you for effort rather than skill.

What makes it worthwhile is the view across to Coigach and out towards the Summer Isles. On a clear day - and you'll need to pick your weather here - the perspective over Loch Broom is genuinely impressive. The summit's trig point sits exposed, which means wind can be fierce, but that exposure also means you're never groping through cloud wondering if you've arrived.

This is a hill for hill walkers rather than casual strollers. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper slog will get something from it. If you're visiting Ullapool anyway, it's a solid half-day outing - far better than hanging about the town if the weather cooperates. Port a Bhaigh Campsite sits just over a mile away, making it a convenient base if you're combining it with other Assynt walks.

Timing matters. Midges can be brutal in July and August if the wind drops, and in winter the approach can be boggy and slippery. May or September tend to be more forgiving. The ascent is free, obviously - it's a Scottish hill, not a tourist attraction with a car park attendant.