Beinn na Gucaig

The walk up Beinn na Gucaig from Fort William territory takes you through proper Highland terrain without the crowds you'd hit on Ben Nevis. It's a modest peak by Scottish standards, but the route rewards effort with views across Glen Coe and towards the bigger mountains. The summit itself is straightforward enough for anyone with decent fitness and waterproofs - which you'll need.

This one suits walkers who want a real mountain day without the tourist infrastructure. It's not a casual stroll, and families will need older kids who can manage a few hours on steep ground. Allow three to four hours return, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

Timing matters. Early morning gets you ahead of weather rolling in from the Atlantic, and the light on the ridges is best before midday. Avoid heading up if cloud is already sitting on the higher slopes.

If you're based at Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park or Invercoe Caravan & Motorhome Park, Beinn na Gucaig makes a solid half-day mission alongside longer explorations of the area. It pairs well with Glen Coe's bigger peaks if you're tackling multiple mountains across your trip. Red Squirrel Campsite gives you a bit more distance, but still manages as a day outing from there. Bring a map and compass - the summit can get disorienting in mist.