Càrn Beag Dearg

The walk up Càrn Beag Dearg isn't long, but it's steep enough to remind your legs why you came to the Highlands. Starting from near Fort William, you're looking at a proper hill rather than a mountain - roughly 800 metres - so it's genuinely manageable for most fitness levels without needing a full day's expedition.

What you get at the top makes the climb worthwhile. The views sweep across to Ben Nevis on one side and down the Great Glen on the other. On a clear day it's genuinely spectacular. On a grey one, which is frequent, you'll know you've earned a rest and a thermos.

Families with older kids will find this a solid half-day option. Younger ones might struggle with the gradient, and it's the sort of walk where there's not much to do on the plateau itself except admire the landscape and eat a sandwich. Experienced walkers could chain it with nearby peaks if they wanted a longer route.

Timing matters more here than most walks. The path gets boggy in wet weather - and this is Scotland, so plan accordingly. Summer's your best bet. There's no charge for the walk, and both Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park and Ben Nevis Holiday Park are within three miles, making this an easy addition to a Highlands break. You're close enough to Fort William for supplies, but this walk feels properly remote.