Meall na Ruiadhaig

The walk up Meall na Ruiadhaig isn't long, but it's steep enough to catch you out if you're not paying attention. This 820-metre peak sits just south of Fort Augustus, making it a proper quick fix for anyone staying at Loch Ness Highland Resort who fancies getting their legs working without committing to a full day in the hills.

You get decent views over Loch Ness from the summit - nothing that'll knock you sideways, but on a clear day you can see why people bother. The walk itself is rough in places, with loose scree higher up that demands a bit of care. Allow a couple of hours return if you're taking it steady. Start early to dodge the midges in summer.

This is walker territory, not a casual family stroll. Kids over ten might manage it fine, but younger ones will struggle with the gradient and rocky sections. The path can be boggy lower down, so proper boots matter - trainers won't cut it. It's free, of course, being a Scottish hill, and you won't find any facilities once you leave the road.

Worth doing if you're based at the resort and want a solid morning's graft with views to match. If you're after something easier, Urquhart Castle on the lochside is closer and requires considerably less effort. But if you've got the fitness and the weather's playing ball, this gives you that satisfying sense of actually having achieved something before lunch.