Tom Ruadh

The walk up Tom Ruadh starts deceptively gentle. You're heading out from near Forres, and for the first stretch it feels manageable enough - moorland underfoot, nothing too technical. Then the gradient bites and you realise why locals don't bang on about this one constantly; it's proper work for what amounts to a modest Highland bump.

But that's exactly why it's worth doing. The peak sits at 915 metres and commands genuine views across Moray and beyond without the crowds you'd find on Ben Macdhui or Cairngorm. On a clear day the vista stretches far enough that you forget you're only a few miles from farmland. The plateau itself is surprisingly broad - more of a moorland summit than a sharp point - which means you can wander about once you're up there without feeling like you're balancing on a knife edge.

Walkers make up most of the traffic here. It's not a summit that appeals to casual strollers or families after a gentle hour in the hills. Budget three to four hours return from the car park, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. The exposure on the upper slopes can be blustery in poor weather, so don't underestimate conditions.

The Loft Glamping & Camping sits just six miles away near Forres, making it a solid base if you're after a proper day on the hill without the drive from somewhere built-up. Bring waterproofs regardless of the forecast.