Mac a' Mhill

The walk up Mac a' Mhill starts gently enough, but don't let that fool you - this Highland peak demands respect and decent legs. From Inverness, it's a proper trek into terrain that feels properly wild, with views across the Great Glen that make the climb worthwhile on a clear day.

What you're doing is a mountain walk, not a stroll. Allow four to five hours there and back, depending on fitness, and wear decent boots because the ground gets boggy and rocky in places. The summit itself isn't particularly high by Scottish standards, but it sits in cracking country - the kind of place where you'll see very few people and hear mostly wind and birdsong.

It's ideal for walkers who've done a few peaks before rather than rank beginners. Kids over twelve might manage it if they're mountain-trained, but younger ones will find it a slog. History buffs won't find much to grab onto here - this is about landscape and effort, not ancient stones or battlefields.

Stay at one of the nearby Loch Ness parks - Loch Ness Shores or Loch Ness Glamping are both within easy reach - and make this a day trip from base. The walk itself is free, naturally. Go in spring or early autumn when midges aren't out in force and the weather's slightly less temperamental. Summer can be claggy with cloud, which kills the views entirely.