Sgùrr Dearg

The walk up Sgùrr Dearg is relentless, but that's rather the point. This 986-metre peak on the Isle of Skye demands proper legs and a head for heights - the final push involves actual rock scrambling, not just hiking. The reward is a view across the Cuillin range that'll make you forget how knackered you are. Kyle, the nearest town on the mainland, is where most people park up before the ferry crossing, so this isn't a casual stroll from your accommodation.

Walkers who've tackled Scottish peaks before will find Sgùrr Dearg genuinely absorbing. The scramble itself is brief but exposed, and the rock is sound volcanic stuff that grips well in dry conditions - less so when wet, which is most of the time. From the summit you're looking directly down the ridge towards Sgùrr na Gillean, with Loch Scavaig sprawling beneath. It's the sort of view that justifies the effort.

Allow four to five hours for the round trip, including time at the top. Start early, bring a packed lunch, and check the weather forecast with genuine seriousness. If you're camping at Glenshiel Campsite nearby, you're about 45 minutes' drive from the trailhead. This isn't a peak for casual park-holiday visitors - it's for people who came to Skye specifically to climb mountains and won't mind a full day's commitment. Solo hikers might prefer the less exposed peaks, but experienced scramblers will find it properly rewarding.