Ormond Hill

The walk up Ormond Hill isn't long, but it's steep enough to leave you breathing properly by the time you reach the top. From Fortrose, it's a straightforward climb through open moorland with the Black Isle spreading out below you and the Moray Firth stretching away to the north. The views are genuinely excellent - on a clear day you can see right across to the mountains beyond Inverness.

This is walker territory, pure and simple. It's not a casual stroll, and the path can be boggy after rain, so proper boots matter. You'll need a good hour to get up and back down, maybe ninety minutes if you potter about at the summit taking photos. The terrain rules it out for young children or anyone after an easy jaunt, but serious hill walkers will find it a proper workout without being dangerous.

The real draw here is that it feels genuinely wild and remote, despite being just a couple of miles from Fortrose. There's something satisfying about climbing something with real teeth rather than another tourist-tramped path. The moorland is open and exposed, so weather changes fast - bring a windproof layer even if it looks fine from the car park.

If you're based at Fortrose Bay Campsite or Ardtower Caravan Park nearby, Ormond Hill makes a cracking afternoon out. Pair it with the coastal walks around Fortrose itself and you've got a proper day. It won't appeal to families after gentle activities, but walkers looking for something with genuine Highland character should make the trip.