Meall an Tuirc

The walk up Meall an Tuirc isn't dramatic or brutal - it's the sort of hill that sneaks up on you. Starting from near Dingwall, you're looking at a proper afternoon's graft rather than a full day commitment, which makes it ideal if you're camped at Blackrock Caravan Park and want to stretch your legs without vanishing into the Highlands entirely.

At 829 metres, it's high enough to feel like an actual achievement without the technical faffing around. The views back towards the Strath Peffer are decent on a clear day, and you get that satisfying sense of standing above the lower ground - the real reward for hillwalkers who aren't after Instagram drama.

The terrain is moorland and rough grass, so proper boots matter. Expect to allow three to four hours there and back depending on fitness. It's not a mountain that draws crowds, which means you'll likely have the summit to yourself. That's either brilliant or lonely, depending on your mood.

This is one for walkers with some experience rather than families with young kids - there's no scrambling or exposed bits, but it's relentless rather than fun. The low-key nature of it actually works in its favour. If you're staying locally and want a genuine hill without the Alpine theatre of Ben Wyvis or the Cairngorms, Meall an Tuirc does the job cleanly. Weather dependent, as always in the Scottish Highlands.