Carn nam Meirleach

Rising above Kingussie in the Monadhliath mountains, this rounded heathery peak offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Munros. The ascent yields a superb perspective across the Spey Valley towards the high plateau of the Cairngorms, with the distinctive profile of Braeriach and Sgòr Gaoith dominating the eastern horizon.

• •The name Càrn nam Meirleach translates from Scottish Gaelic as the 'Cairn of the Thieves,' suggesting the hill's historical use as a lookout or sanctuary for cattle rustlers operating near the Spey Valley.
• •The hill is often climbed as a standalone objective from Pitmain Lodge or integrated into a longer circuit of the Monadhliath, serving as a lower-altitude vantage point for the surrounding 3,000ft peaks.
• •From the summit, walkers are rewarded with an exceptionally clear view of the Lairig Ghru, the famous high mountain pass that cuts through the heart of the Cairngorm massif to the east.
• •Despite the name suggesting a den of outlaws, the most likely thief you'll encounter on these slopes today is a particularly deep peat hag looking to claim a walking pole.