Meall an t-Suidhe

The walk up Meall an t-Suidhe is Fort William's answer to "I want a proper hill but not Ben Nevis". At 806 metres, it's high enough to feel like you've done something, but low enough that you won't spend your entire day huffing uphill. The views across Glen Nevis and toward the big man himself are genuinely excellent - crisp and sweeping, especially on one of those rare clear Scottish days.

The path starts from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and climbs steadily through woodland before opening onto moorland. It's well-trodden and straightforward, making it ideal for families who've got confident walkers aged eight or nine upwards. The ascent takes roughly two hours at a decent pace; factor in another ninety minutes down. It's free, naturally - Scottish hills don't charge admission.

Where this peak wins you over is the relative lack of crowds compared to Ben Nevis. You'll encounter other walkers, sure, but it never feels like a funicular queue. The summit is properly exposed - you get that genuine sense of height - yet the scramble required is minimal. Weather matters enormously up here; a clear day makes it worth the trek, but cloud cover renders the views pointless. Go early morning if you can, and check conditions the night before.

For caravan holidays in the area, Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park sits just a mile away - genuinely convenient for base-camp hiking. Ben Nevis Holiday Park is barely further. Either works brilliantly if you're planning multiple Glen Nevis walks across a week.