Meall a’ Bhuachaille (near Aviemore)
Distance: 10 miles | Summit height: 810m | Ascent: 990m | Approx. time 5-7 hours | Route
Meall a’ Bhuachaille is easily accessible, with good paths to the summit as well as superb views. It gives a good feel for the character and scale of the Cairngorms without the length and remoteness of some of the larger mountains. The route described in the link above takes in a fuller circuit of the entire ridge. However, a shorter route (in the reverse direction) is described here. Both routes pass Ryvoan Bothy (now maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association) and the peaceful An Lochan Uaine (the green lochan – it really does have a green tint to the water).
Ben Vrackie (Pitlochry)
Distance: 5.75 miles | Summit height: 841m | Ascent: 720m | Approx. time 3 – 4 hours | Route
Travelling south down the A9 Ben Vrackie carves an extremely distinctive shape above Pitlochry and gives great views of the surrounding Perthshire countryside and up towards the Cairngorms. The route starts and finishes near Moulin (check out the Moulin Inn for pre-post- walk refreshments).
Ben Ledi (Callander)
Distance: 6.25 miles | Summit height: 879m | Ascent: 760m | Approx. time 4-6 hours | Route
Towering over Callander, Ben Ledi is a popular hill in the Trossachs. The views are surprisingly good as they gradually open up, first eastwards towards Stirling and the Pentland Hills and then westwards to Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. There is a good path the whole way (which can get boggy in a couple of sections). The route above describes a circular walk with the descent via Stank Glen.
Creag Choinnich (Braemar)
Distance: 1.5 miles | Summit height: 538m | Ascent: 165m | Approx. time 1 – 2 hours | Route
This is a short walk from the centre of Braemar but once you’re through the pine trees, opens up wide vistas along the valley of the Dee towards Lochnagar and north to the rocky tors of Ben Avon and Beinn a’Bhuird.
Conic Hill (Loch Lomond)
Distance: 2.5 miles | Summit height: 361m | Ascent: 350m | Approx. time 2-3 hours | Route
From a car park in Balmaha the well-worn path to Conic Hill initially follows the route of the West Highland Way. Fantastic views open up ahead of you, taking in the southern end of Loch Lomond with its many islands and Ben Lomond. The route follows the line of the Highland Boundary Fault.
Bennachie (Aberdeenshire)
Distance: 5.75 miles | Summit height: 528m | Ascent: 490m | Approx. time 2.5 – 4 hours | Route
Bennachie stands proud above Aberdeenshire’s farming country and provides commanding views for miles around. While it’s steep in places there are good paths. This route takes in the various peaks along Bennachie’s ridge and returns back down to the Back o’ Bennachie car park.
The Eildons (Melrose)
Distance: 5.25 miles | Summit height: 422m | Ascent: 377m | Approx. time 3 – 4 hours | Route
Just as Bennachie is the defining landscape feature near Inverurie so the Eildons are such a distinctive element of the Central Borders, visible from Carter Bar in the south and the Pentlands in the north. The three hills were actually formed from an underground volcanic eruption and then the softer rocks above have gradually been eroded over time. The views are great and Melrose is a perfect base for some pre/post-walk refreshments.
The Cobbler (aka Ben Arthur, Arrochar)
Distance: 6.75 miles | Summit height: 884m | Ascent: 920m | Approx. time 4 – 6 hours | Route
The Cobbler must be one of the most popular hills in West Central Scotland. Just west of Arrochar you’ll find a large car park and the start of the walk up a steep, zig-zagging path. Once you near the summit you’ll see the very distinctive three peaks, the highest being the central peak topped by a pinnacle. The summits are rocky, however, and you’ll need to keep a close eye on any ‘enthusiastic’ rock climbers in your family. If you want to extend the walk you can also take in Ben Ime and Beinn Narnain, both Munros.
Ben A’an (Loch Katrine)
Distance: 2.25 miles | Summit height: 454m | Ascent: 340m | Approx. time 2 – 4 hours | Route
Ben A’an is a superb first hill: a short’ish walk with fine woodland, a pyramidal peak and wonderful views across Loch Katrine and the Trossachs. It’s steep in places so worth just taking your time but given the great view of the summit once you’re out of the forest.
The Quiraing (Skye)
Distance: 4.25 miles | Summit height: 543m | Ascent: 340m | Approx. time 3-5 hours | Route
The Quiraing, near Staffin on the northeast coast of Skye, is a classic hillwalk. Save it for a clear day, the views of the spectacular rock formations, of Skye and across to the mainland. It’s actually created from landslips along the Trotternish Ridge in this part of Skye, a most unusual landscape that’s sure to capture your imagination. While there are some steep sections there are good paths..
