Càrn a' Bhodaich

The walk up Càrn a' Bhodaich from near Beauly is straightforward and rewarding in a no-nonsense way. You're looking at a modest Highland peak - nothing that'll have you scrambling or roping up, but enough of a climb to feel like proper exercise. The summit sits at around 600 metres, and on a clear day the views across the Moray Firth and back towards Ben Wyvis justify the leg work.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a destination for sitting about - you come here to move. Allow a good two to three hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath (it's steeper than it looks on the map). The path is well-trodden but can be boggy in patches, particularly after rain, so decent boots matter.

Timing matters too. Early morning or late afternoon light transforms the walk entirely, and you'll avoid the midges that can be absolutely merciless in July and August. Spring and autumn are genuinely lovely up there.

It sits well within a broader Highland holiday. Stay at one of the nearby parks - Beauly Holiday Park or Highland Premier Glamping Pods are within easy reach - and you've got Beauly itself for provisions and a decent pub afterwards. The walk is close enough to be a morning or afternoon jaunt, leaving you free to explore Loch Ness or the wider Glen Affric area on other days. Not dramatic, not famous, but it's honest hiking country.