Knock of Braemoray

The walk up Knock of Braemoray is short but muscular, rewarding you with views across Moray that stretch on forever. From Forres, it's barely an hour's slog to the 1,297-foot summit, though the climb itself is relentless - no long switchbacks here, just a determined push through heather and rough grass. The trig point at the top is modest, but stand there on a clear day and you've got the Cairngorms to one side and the Moray coast glimmering in the distance. It's the kind of hill that locals do regularly because it's there, not because it's flashy.

Walkers will find this one proper rewarding for the effort. The route isn't technical, but it's steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the view. Kids can manage it if they're used to hills, though younger ones might find the gradient a bit much. There's no café at the top, so bring water and something to eat - you'll want to sit for ten minutes anyway. Allow two hours there and back, or longer if you fancy a slower pace or want to linger.

It's a fitting detour if you're based at ACE Adventures near Forres - they've got camping and glamping options, so you could do this as a morning walk before heading back for lunch. Free to access, obviously. The weather in the Highlands turns quickly, so go early and check the forecast. Not glamorous, but genuinely lovely on a decent day.