Meall Liath

The walk up Meall Liath from Pitlochry isn't particularly long, but it demands respect. You're climbing 2,500 feet over rough terrain, and the Scottish weather can turn on you halfway up without warning. That said, the views back down the valley once you breach the cloud line are genuinely arresting - proper Highland scenery, the kind that makes you understand why people hike in Scotland rather than anywhere else.

This is a peak for walkers with some fitness and decent boots. The route isn't technical, but it's relentless and often boggy. Families with young kids will find it tedious rather than fun; teenagers who like a proper challenge will get something from it. Allow three to four hours up and down, depending on pace and how much you potter about at the summit. There's nothing up top except views and wind, but that's rather the point.

From Pitlochry itself, you're well-placed for park holidays. Glengoulandie Camping and Caravanning sits just a few miles away with excellent reviews, as does Tighnavon if you fancy glamping pods instead of a tent. Kilvrecht is another solid option slightly further out. All three make Meall Liath easily accessible as a day excursion, and the walks around Pitlochry itself offer gentler alternatives if the weather turns or your knees rebel.