Meall Bhenneit

The walk up Meall Bhenneit from Ardgay isn't technically difficult, but it demands respect. You're looking at a solid hill rather than a technical scramble - roughly 1,700 feet of ascent across moorland that can get boggy after rain, so plan accordingly. Most people allow three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath or admire the view north towards Ben Wyvis.

What makes this worth doing is the fact that hardly anyone else is doing it. The Highland landscape spreads out properly from the top - proper moorland vistas, the kind that remind you why Scotland's worth the bother. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a dreich day it's atmospheric in a different way, all clouds and solitude.

This is a peak for walkers who want genuine mountain air without needing ropes or scrambling skills. Families with older kids (say, 12 upwards and reasonably fit) will manage it fine, though younger children might find the bog patches frustrating. The route isn't marked brilliantly, so bring a map and know how to use it - or a decent GPS app.

Free to access, obviously. Nearest town is Ardgay, just down the road, and if you're basing yourself at Ardgay Glamping nearby, this makes an excellent half-day outing that doesn't require driving anywhere. Go early to claim parking space and finish before the light goes.