Binnein Beag

The walk up Binnein Beag takes you through proper Highland terrain - rough moorland that opens out as you gain height, with views across to Ben Alder and the Monadhliath mountains. It's a modest peak by Scottish standards, sitting at just over 3,600 feet, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a doddle. The approach from Newtonmore is straightforward enough, but the final push to the summit demands some scrambling, especially in wet conditions. Most people will want two to three hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. There's no developed path for much of it - you're picking your way through heather and over loose stones, which some will love and others will find tedious. Walkers with decent hill experience and a head for heights will get the most from this one. It's less crowded than the bigger named peaks, which is a genuine advantage on a busy weekend. Families with younger kids would find the scrambles tricky, though teenagers who don't mind rough ground will be fine. The nearby caravan parks - Laggan Glamping is particularly well-regarded and only 1.3 miles away - make this a sensible stop on a wider Highland park tour. Go early in the day if you can, weather permitting. The Scottish weather here turns on a sixpence, so check conditions before setting out. Admission is free, obviously - it's a mountain.