Gallow Hill

The walk up Gallow Hill takes about forty minutes if you're moderately fit, and the views across the Moray Firth from the top are genuinely worth the effort. It's a straightforward ascent from the outskirts of Inverness - nothing technical, just a steady climb through rough moorland that gets you breathing harder than you'd expect.

From the summit you can see right out to the Black Isle and across to the mountains beyond. On a clear day it's properly expansive. The hill itself is modest by Highland standards - around 300 metres - but the position makes it feel more significant than the height suggests. You'll spot local walkers and the occasional family group making the trip, particularly on weekends.

Allow two hours return if you're taking it easy, maybe ninety minutes if you're moving briskly. There's no facilities up there, so bring water and something to eat. Free to access, obviously - it's open moorland.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Coulmore Bay or Bunchrew are both within spitting distance - this works perfectly as a morning walk before heading into Inverness for lunch. It's the sort of thing that fills a gap in a holiday itinerary without demanding a full day's commitment. Not dramatic, but satisfying if you want a proper walk without the commitment of the bigger peaks further south.