Torvean Park, Inverness

Torvean Park lies on the south-western edge of Inverness, wedged between the Caledonian Canal and the River Ness as they run out towards Loch Ness. It is a large, informal area of open grass, mixed woodland and paths, popular with local dog walkers, runners and cyclists and largely overlooked by visitors staying in the city centre.

The park is criss-crossed by tracks that link up with the Great Glen Way and the canal towpath, so you can easily put together a circular walk taking in the river on one side and the canal on the other. On calm days there are good views across the water towards Craig Phadrig, the hillfort-topped ridge on the far bank. Torvean Golf Course sits alongside the park, and a modern leisure centre and community campus have been developed nearby.

It's an easy place to stretch your legs for an hour or so if you're passing through Inverness. Bring sensible shoes after wet weather, as some paths through the woods can get muddy.