Ben Nevis Weather Station

The weather station sits 1,345 metres up on Britain's highest mountain, and getting there is half the battle. Most visitors tackle the Ben Nevis path from Fort William - a solid four to five hours up, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The station itself is a squat stone building that's been recording conditions since 1883, which is properly remarkable when you think about it. You won't find much to do once you arrive - it's not a visitor centre with a café and gift shop - but the views on a clear day sweep across the Highlands in every direction, and the raw exposure at that altitude hits different from lower vantage points.

Walkers are the obvious audience here. You need decent boots, waterproofs, and a head for heights, especially on the final steep section. Families with young kids should be realistic about timing and ability - it's a proper mountain, not a stroll. Conditions change fast; many days the summit is wrapped in cloud and visibility drops to metres. Check the forecast beforehand.

The climb is free, naturally. Allow a full day minimum, six hours for most people. Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park sits just 2.7 miles away, making it the obvious base for a Ben Nevis attempt. Ben Nevis Holiday Park is slightly further out but less hectic. Stay nearby, tackle the mountain when the weather looks half-decent, and you'll understand why this peak dominates the Scottish landscape so completely.