Meall Eachainn

The walk up Meall Eachainn isn't long, but it punches well above its weight. Starting from near Ardgay, you're looking at a proper hill rather than a slog to some distant peak - the sort of thing that rewards you with genuine Highland views without eating up your whole afternoon.

The climb itself is straightforward enough. You'll work your way up moorland that opens out as you gain height, and the panorama across the Dornoch Firth and towards Ben Wyvis makes the effort worthwhile. It's the kind of vantage point where you genuinely feel like you've got somewhere worth being, rather than just having ticked a box.

This works brilliantly for families who want a hill day without the commitment of a serious mountain. Walkers after a brisk couple of hours will find their rhythm here. The approach is accessible enough that you're not scrambling, but the landscape feels wild enough to matter.

Allow a good two hours for the round trip if you're taking your time. Go early if you can - the light's better and you'll dodge the afternoon crowd if there is one. There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, so bring what you need.

If you're staying at Ardgay Glamping, this sits perfectly within striking distance - close enough for a morning or evening outing without feeling like a separate expedition. The nearby terrain offers other options too, so you can string together a proper walking holiday without repeating yourself.