Na Gruagaichean

The walk up Na Gruagaichean starts in Kinlochleven and rewards you with views across the Mamores that genuinely take your breath away. It's a proper hill walk rather than a casual stroll - expect steep sections and rough terrain, particularly as you gain height towards the 775-metre summit.

What makes it worthwhile is the isolation. You won't fight crowds like you do on Ben Nevis. The ridge feels wild and exposed, with the Blackwater Reservoir dropping away below and the mass of the Mamores filling the horizon. On a clear day, you're looking out towards Glencoe. Most walkers will need three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness.

This suits experienced hillwalkers and anyone who wants proper Scottish Highland walking without the tourist infrastructure. If you're after gentle loch-side strolls, look elsewhere. The path can be boggy in places and navigation matters in poor visibility.

The Blackwater Hostel and Campsite sits just 2.2 miles away and works well as a base - it's relaxed and close enough that you can be on the hill early without a dawn start. Kinlochleven itself is a working town rather than a tourist centre, which means proper cafes and an honest atmosphere. Stay a couple of nights and you've got the West Highland Way nearby plus the whole Mamores range to explore. The landscape here is raw and genuine.