Shaw Hill

The walk up Shaw Hill takes roughly forty minutes from Forres, and on a clear day you're rewarded with views that sprawl across Moray and out towards the Cairngorms. It's not a dramatic peak - the summit sits at around 300 metres - but what it lacks in altitude it makes up for in accessibility. The path itself is straightforward enough, mostly grassy underfoot with sections of heather, and you won't need any special kit.

This one's ideal for families with older children or anyone after a proper leg-stretch without the mountaineering commitment. The views alone justify the effort: Forres sits below like a toy town, and on really transparent mornings you can pick out features miles away. Walkers passing through the Highlands often miss this entirely, which is a shame because it's genuinely worth the detour from the A940.

Timing-wise, set aside a couple of hours including a breather at the top. Go early in the day if you can - the light's better and you'll dodge any cloud that might roll in by afternoon. If you're camping at ACE Adventures & Hideaways just down the road, this makes for a brilliant morning outing before heading back for lunch.

The real appeal here is that it feels like a proper walk without being punishing. You'll be tired but satisfied, and unless the weather's absolutely foul, you'll leave thinking it was time well spent.