Ben Nevis - SCOTLAND's and Britains highest mountain

Four thousand two hundred and thirteen metres of Scottish mountain looming over Fort William - that's Ben Nevis, and yes, it's every bit as imposing as the numbers suggest. On a clear day you can see it from miles away, this brooding giant dominating the skyline. On a murky one, which is roughly half the time, you'll walk into cloud somewhere around the halfway mark and wonder what you've let yourself in for.

The main path up takes most people between four and six hours return, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. It's not technical climbing - families with decent legs tackle it regularly - but it's relentless, properly steep in stretches, and the weather can turn vicious without warning. Bring waterproofs even if the forecast looks promising. The views from the summit, when you get them, are genuinely worth the slog: on a rare brilliant day you're looking across the entire Scottish Highlands.

If you're based at Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park, you're perfectly placed - less than three miles away and the view of the mountain from your pitch is free entertainment in itself. Ben Nevis Holiday Park works too, though it's a shade further out. Neither requires you to drive into Fort William proper for the trailhead.

Really only suits people who like walking. Kids under eight will probably struggle with the distance and altitude. It's free to walk whenever you like - no gates, no tickets, just mountain.