Am Beannan

The walk up Am Beannan from Pitlochry is one of those Scottish hill outings that feels proper rewarding without demanding mountaineer credentials. You're looking at a modest peak by Highland standards, but the climb itself is steep enough to get your lungs working and your legs reminding you they exist.

What makes it worth the effort is the view back down to Pitlochry and across the Tummel Valley. On a clear day - and they do happen - you can see for miles. The route is reasonably well-trodden, though it's not a manicured tourist trail. You'll want decent boots and you'll need to allow a good three hours for the round trip if you're taking it steady with breaks.

Families with older kids (say, ten and up) will manage fine if they're used to hills. Younger ones might find it tedious. The real appeal here is for walkers who want something more than a stroll but aren't ready to tackle the big boys. It's the kind of walk where you actually feel like you've done something.

If you're basing yourself at Kilvrecht Campsite just down the road, Am Beannan makes an excellent half-day expedition. Pitlochry itself has restaurants and shops, so you can fuel up before or after. The walk is free, naturally - it's a Scottish hill - and the best time is spring through autumn when the weather's least likely to betray you halfway up.