Cruban Beag

The walk up Cruban Beag from Newtonmore is exactly the sort of hill that feels manageable until you're halfway up and your legs start complaining. It's a proper wee mountain rather than a gentle stroll - about 850 metres of climbing that'll take you three to four hours round trip depending on fitness and how often you stop for breath and views.

What you get for the effort is a genuine Highland perspective. On a clear day you can see across to the Cairngorms, and the Spey Valley spreads out below in a way that makes the huffing worthwhile. The route itself follows decent paths for most of the ascent, though the final push to the summit gets a bit rockier. It's not technical climbing, but it demands respect - this isn't a casual ramble.

Walkers will get the most from this one. Families with young children should probably look elsewhere unless the kids are already seasoned hill-bashers. There's no entrance fee because there's no visitor centre or facilities - just the mountain itself and the landscape. That's rather the point.

If you're based at Invernahavon Caravan Park or Laggan Glamping nearby, Cruban Beag makes an excellent full morning or afternoon activity. It's close enough to reach easily from either site but properly rewarding once you're up there. Pick a settled day - the weather can turn quickly in the Highlands, and there's precious little shelter once you leave the lower slopes. Absolutely worth the leg-ache.