Meall nam Maigheach

The walk up Meall nam Maigheach takes the better part of a morning, climbing roughly 2,600 feet from the glen floor near Pitlochry. It's a proper hill rather than a casual stroll - the gradient catches you out more than once - but the reward is a summit with views across the Tummel Valley that make the slog worthwhile.

You'll find this one less mobbed than Ben Vrackie, which sits just across the way. The path winds through heather and birch, and on a clear day you can pick out Schehallion and the distant Cairngorms from the top. The summit itself is modest - a cairn and not much else - but that's kind of the point. No tourist infrastructure, no crowds, just the hills doing what they do best.

Walkers who want a bit of challenge without committing to a full day's expedition should get the most from this. Families with strong legs can manage it, though younger kids might find the relentless climb tedious. Allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

If you're staying at Kilvrecht Campsite - which sits a reasonable five miles or so south - this makes a natural day's outing. The parking and trailhead access from Pitlochry side is straightforward. Go midweek if possible; weekends can bring a surprising number of boots to the hill. Weather matters here - cloud cover turns the summit into a blank slate, so timing it for decent visibility pays off.