Meall Bhanbhaidh

The walk up Meall Bhanbhaidh doesn't advertise itself. There's no visitor centre, no café at the top, no carved wooden sign - just a proper hill walk that takes you out of Fort William and into genuinely wild country. The peak sits at 796 metres, which means it's steep enough to earn respect but low enough that you won't need technical kit or a dawn start to bag it.

What you get is a no-nonsense Scottish hill experience. The path climbs through birch and heather, and the views back towards Fort William and Ben Nevis are the kind that make you understand why people walk in Scotland rather than just look at postcards. On a clear day, you can see across to the Mamores. The summit itself is windswept and open - bring layers.

This is purely for walkers who actually enjoy walking. It's not a tourist attraction with facilities; there's no admission fee because there's nothing to admit to, just open hill. Allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger. Families with younger children might find it a bit relentless, though capable hikers in their early teens should manage it fine.

If you're staying at Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park or Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Meall Bhanbhaidh makes a solid day out that avoids the Ben Nevis crowds. It's the sort of walk you don't brag about afterwards - you just feel better for having done it.