Meall nan Oighreagan

The walk up Meall nan Oighreagan from Beauly isn't a gentle stroll - it's a proper hill that demands respect, but the views across the Highlands make every breathless moment worth it. This isn't Ben Nevis; it's a serious day out for walkers with decent fitness who want to avoid the tourist crowds further south.

The summit sits at around 900 metres, which sounds modest until you clock the climb itself. The approach is steep in sections, boggy in others, and the weather can turn on you fast - bring waterproofs even when it looks fine. On a clear day, though, you're looking out over the glens towards Loch Ness and beyond, with proper mountain views that make you forget the slog getting there.

Allow a solid half-day minimum, longer if you're not a regular hill-goer. There's no visitor centre or cafe at the top, so bring water and snacks. It's free to walk, of course - this is Scottish hill walking.

If you're basing yourself at Loch Ness Holiday Park or Cannich Woodland Camping, Meall nan Oighreagan works well as a break from park life for a day hike. You're close enough to Beauly that you won't waste hours driving. Families with younger kids should skip it; this is better suited to adults and teenagers who enjoy proper walking. Solo walkers and small groups get the most from it - you need to concentrate on the terrain, and there's something satisfying about tackling a Highlands peak without fighting your way through queues.