Ben Nevis War Memorial

The walk up Ben Nevis takes you past a solemn stone cairn dedicated to those who fell in the Great War. It's not the sort of thing you'd make a special trip for on its own, but if you're already tackling the mountain from Fort William, you'll find it somewhere on the upper slopes - a quiet moment among the scree and weather-beaten rock.

The memorial itself is modest. No grand plaza or visitor centre, just a cairn with an inscription facing out towards the Highlands. In poor visibility you might walk straight past it. On a clear day, when the views stretch for miles, it hits differently - a reminder of why people were willing to die for these mountains.

It's worth allowing time if you're doing the full Ben Nevis walk, which takes most people four to five hours. Walkers and history types will appreciate the gesture. Families with younger kids might find the high altitude and rough terrain more challenging than they expect. Start early and check the weather forecast - the summit can swing from pleasant to whiteout conditions in minutes.

You won't need to pay anything. Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park sits just 2.7 miles away and is the closest base if you're staying locally. Ben Nevis Holiday Park is another solid option at 4 miles out. Both give you a proper setup for a longer Highland holiday, with easier walks and attractions round Fort William if you fancy a lighter day between mountain efforts.