Spirean Beag

The walk up Spirean Beag is a proper hill rather than a mountain, which makes it ideal if you want the Highlands experience without needing crampons and an early start. From Newtonmore, it's accessible enough for a decent half-day outing - nothing that'll leave you cursing your choice come 4 p.m.

What you get is straightforward: a peak climb through Scottish moorland with views across the Monadhliath range. The approach isn't technical, but it's genuine hill-walking terrain. You'll earn the summit. The reward is space - genuinely quiet moorland without the crowds you'd find on Ben Nevis or its famous siblings.

This suits walkers who want honest exercise without overcomplicating things. Families with confident hikers will manage it fine; younger kids might find the terrain a bit relentless. It's the sort of walk where you need proper boots and waterproof jacket - weather changes quickly up here, and it's exposed once you're above the heather.

If you're based at Invernahavon Caravan Park or Laggan Glamping just down the road, Spirean Beag is the natural choice for a morning sortie. Two to three hours round trip depending on fitness. There's no visitor centre or facilities on the peak itself - bring water, maybe a sandwich. The satisfaction is genuine though: a small hill that doesn't pretend to be anything else, and all the better for it.