Meall a' Chathaidh

The walk up Meall a' Chathaidh from Pitlochry is one of those Scottish outings that looks modest on the map but rewards you properly if you put the effort in. It's a modest peak by Highland standards - 899 metres - but the approach is steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the summit cairn when you get there.

The real draw is what happens once you're up. The views sweep across to Schiehallion and down the Tummel Valley, and on a clear day it's the sort of vista that makes you understand why folk come back to Perthshire year after year. The walk takes a solid three to four hours depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. Most people start from the Pitlochry side and work their way up through mixed woodland before the terrain opens up.

This is proper walking rather than a gentle stroll - bring decent boots and check the weather. Families with teenagers and regular hikers will get the most from it. If you're younger children or you fancy something less demanding, there are easier alternatives nearby. The walk rewards preparation but won't leave you broken.

Stay at Parkdean Resorts Tummel Valley Holiday Park just down the valley - you're perfectly positioned for this and dozens of other walks in the area. Free to walk, naturally, and worth the effort if Scottish hills are your thing.