Geal Chàrn

The walk up Geal Chàrn takes you out of Pitlochry with proper Highland scenery either side - nothing too technical, but you'll earn the views. It's a peak that rewards effort without demanding mountaineer credentials, which makes it popular with families who fancy something more substantial than a stroll but don't need technical gear.

The summit sits at 635 metres and the approach from near Pitlochry is straightforward enough, though there's genuine climbing involved. Allow three to four hours for a round trip depending on fitness. On a clear day the Perthshire landscape spreads out in all directions - you get your money's worth in terms of panorama for the effort invested. Midges can be brutal in summer, so either go early season or wait for a breeze.

This works brilliantly as part of a broader holiday based around Pitlochry itself. If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Tummel Valley or one of the other nearby sites - Glengoulandie is closer still - you've got a proper mountain day without needing to drive for hours. The town itself has enough going on for a rainy day, and there are easier walks around Loch Tummel if anyone in your group isn't up for the peak.

It's free to walk, obviously. Best tackled between May and September when you're not fighting through bog the whole way. Go midweek if possible - weekends can get busy with day-trippers from Edinburgh.