Meall a'Chòcaire

The walk up Meall a'Chòcaire from Aviemore is one of those rare Scottish climbs that doesn't require a dawn start or serious scrambling skills, yet rewards you with proper Highland views without the crowds. At just over 800 metres, it's a gentle ascent through mixed woodland and open moorland, taking most people around two to three hours return depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

What makes this one worth doing is the perspective it gives you of the Cairngorms National Park. On a clear day - and you'll want to wait for one - you can pick out Ben Macdui and the broader massif to the south, while the Spey Valley spreads out below like an ordnance survey map come to life. The final push to the summit is exposed but straightforward, and the cairn itself marks a decent turnaround point.

Families with reasonably confident walkers will enjoy this more than younger kids, frankly. It's not a five-minute amble, but it's not a slog either. Spring through early autumn works best; winter here gets serious quickly. The whole thing is free, naturally - it's a Scottish peak. If you're staying at Dalraddy Holiday Park nearby, this makes an excellent half-day outing and gets everyone outside properly without requiring a massive time commitment. Worth fitting in alongside Cairngorm National Park's other offerings if you've got a few days in the area.