Meall nan Eagan

The walk up Meall nan Eagan from Newtonmore will take you just under two hours, and honestly, it's one of those Scottish hills that punches above its weight. At 809 metres, it's not particularly high - you won't need ropes or serious kit - but the views across the Monadhliath range are genuinely exceptional, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles in every direction.

The route itself is straightforward enough, following a well-trodden path that starts from the lower slopes. It's the kind of hill that doesn't wear you out completely but demands respect - the terrain can be boggy in places, and Scottish weather changes fast, so even if it looks fine when you set off, bring layers and waterproofs. Allow three to four hours for the round trip if you're taking it at a sensible pace and actually stopping to look around.

This works brilliantly as part of a longer Cairngorms or Monadhliath walking holiday. If you're staying at Laggan Glamping just five miles away, it's an ideal half-day expedition that leaves you time for a proper dinner afterwards. It's best visited between late spring and early autumn - winter adds significant complications unless you're experienced with snow and ice.

Families with older children will manage this fine, though younger ones might find the boggy sections tedious. Serious peak-baggers will roll their eyes at the distance from bigger hills, but for anyone wanting a proper mountain walk without overcommitting an entire day, Meall nan Eagan delivers genuinely good Highlands scenery.