Cow Hill

A short, sharp climb from Fort William gets you to the top of Cow Hill in under an hour, which is exactly why it's brilliant for families who want a hill walk without the full commitment of Ben Nevis. The views across Loch Linnhe and towards the Mamores are genuinely good - proper Highland scenery without the crowds you'd find on the bigger peaks nearby.

It's not technical terrain. The path is straightforward, a bit boggy in places, nothing that'll catch you out. You're looking at maybe 45 minutes up, half that coming down if you're fit. Kids aged eight or so onwards will manage it fine; younger ones might need a bit of encouragement on the steeper sections. The main appeal is how quickly you can tick it off and still have the afternoon free.

If you're staying at Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park - less than a mile away - this is an ideal warm-up walk before tackling the big hills. Same goes for Ben Nevis Holiday Park, just two miles south. Both parks put you perfectly positioned to try Cow Hill as a morning adventure, then hit something more ambitious later.

There's nothing fancy up top - no café, no visitor centre - but on a clear day the view down the loch makes the walk worth doing. Go early in the day if you can; afternoon mist rolls in fast. Free to visit, naturally. Allow two hours total if you're stopping to gawp at the view, which you will.