Càrn Glas-choire

Getting to the top of Càrn Glas-choire feels like properly earning your view. This Highland peak sits just south of Inverness, and it's the kind of walk that rewards you without being a full day commitment - most people manage it in under three hours return.

The ascent isn't technical, but don't mistake that for easy. You're climbing through rough terrain with good views opening up as you gain height, and on a clear day the vistas across the Moray Firth and down towards the Great Glen are genuinely excellent. The peak itself is modest - nothing dramatic about the summit - but the whole experience of being up there, with minimal crowds, makes it feel special.

Walkers will get the most from this one. Families with older kids who've done a few hills before will manage fine, though young ones might find it a slog. History types won't find much to gnaw on here - it's pure landscape walking. Allow three to four hours depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.

If you're staying at Tomatin Glamping Pods nearby, this makes a natural half-day outing that won't eat into your wider Highland itinerary. The pods themselves sit in decent walking country, so you could string a few peaks together if you're keen. The real test is weather - come on a day when visibility's decent, because the walk in cloud is rather dull. Worth doing, but time it right.