Shiel Rigg

The walk up Shiel Rigg from Perth is straightforward enough, and once you've climbed to the summit you'll understand why locals bother making the trip. It's not a dramatic peak by Scottish standards - nothing like the serious hills further north - but the views across Fife and towards the Forth are genuinely worth an afternoon.

You're looking at roughly an hour to the top if you're moving at a steady pace, possibly longer if you're with younger legs or taking it easy. The terrain is manageable for most walkers, though "manageable" doesn't mean flat. Bring decent boots because it can get boggy, especially after rain. The summit itself offers proper 360-degree views, which is rarer than you'd think on these lower Scottish peaks.

This works well as part of a longer Fife walking holiday, particularly if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks like Gallowhill or Greenhill Farm Glamping, both within a short drive. It's the sort of walk that appeals to people who want genuine views without committing to an eight-hour mountain slog. Families with teenagers will manage it fine. Little ones might find it a bit of a grind without much to do at the top beyond look at the landscape.

Timing matters here - clear days are essential because the whole point is the vista, and fog renders it pointless. Avoid winter wet if you can, when the ascent becomes genuinely slippery. Spring or early autumn, when the light is decent and the paths are dryish, suits it best.