Mullach a' Ghlinne

Mullach a' Ghlinne sits at 2,874 feet and delivers one of those views that makes the slog up feel properly worth it. The peak rises above Glen Affric, and on a clear day you're looking straight down the valley with the Farrar and Glass rivers threading through the forest below. It's a serious hill walk rather than a casual stroll - expect three to four hours for the round trip depending on your fitness, plus another hour if you want to bag a couple of the neighbouring Munros while you're at it.

This is squarely territory for walkers who actually enjoy walking. The path isn't technical, but it's relentless, and in poor weather the cloud can close in quickly. Summer is the obvious choice, though spring and autumn can be brilliant if the midges aren't out in force. There's no visitor centre or café at the summit - just moorland, rocks, and on good days, views that stretch across half the Highlands.

Fort Augustus is about 40 minutes' drive north, which puts you well-positioned to stay at Loch Ness Highland Resort and string together a few days of hill walking in the area. The Glen Affric roads can be rough, so an early start beats the afternoon crowds. Free to walk, free to park at the trailhead. Bring a compass and a proper map - your phone battery will take a hammering up here.