Aonach Dubh

The walk up Aonach Dubh from Ballachulish is steep, honest, and absolutely worth the sweat. This 700-metre peak rises sharply from the glen floor, offering proper mountain views without requiring a full day's commitment - most walkers knock it out in two to three hours return. You get something rare in the Scottish Highlands: dramatic height gain compressed into a short route, with the reward being views across Loch Leven and down the length of Glencoe.

It's a peak for people who actually like walking uphill. Families with young kids might find it a slog, though teenagers with decent fitness will manage it fine. Fell runners and hill walkers absolutely rate it. The path switchbacks through woodland then opens onto the upper slopes, and there's a proper scramble near the top that keeps things interesting.

Start early - the car park fills quickly in summer and it's a popular spot. There's no charge, no facilities, and the mountain doesn't care what the weather was forecast to do, so come equipped. The rocky summit plateau is exposed; winds can be vicious even on calm days below.

If you're staying at Red Squirrel Campsite or Invercoe, you're basically living on the doorstep. This makes a cracking half-day excursion between longer Glencoe walks or as a standalone peak if you're based in the area for a week. The views from the top justify the grunt, and the descent feels quicker than the climb - which always helps.