Meall Cumhann

The walk up Meall Cumhann isn't long, but it's steep enough to remind your legs why they exist. Rising above Kinlochleven, this 917-metre peak sits in the shadow of its more famous neighbour Ben Nevis, which means you'll have the hillside mostly to yourself while everyone else queues at the bigger attraction.

The route climbs through moorland before breaking above the cloud line - if you're lucky - to reveal proper Highland views across the Mamores and down the Great Glen. On a clear day, you can pick out Ben Nevis itself looming to the east. The summit's a modest rocky outcrop with cairn, nothing dramatic, but the isolation makes it feel like a real achievement rather than a tourist tick-box.

Allow two to three hours for the return journey from the car park. It's a straightforward out-and-back walk, no technical scrambling required, though the descent is merciless on knees if you're not careful with your footing. Spring through early autumn is best - winter conditions here can turn nasty fast, and the midges in July are genuinely unbearable.

This works brilliantly as a half-day walk from Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park or Ben Nevis Holiday Park. You'll get back with time for a proper meal and a drink without the all-day commitment of Ben Nevis itself. It's genuinely rewarding for hill walkers wanting something less crowded, though families with young legs will find it a bit of a slog.