Sgor Eilde Beag

The walk up Sgor Eilde Beag takes you properly into the Highlands. It's one of those peaks that doesn't announce itself from the road - you miss the drama of Ben Nevis or the jagged ridgelines elsewhere, but that's rather the point. This is quieter terrain, and the views south towards Rannoch Moor and east across the Grey Corries make the climb worthwhile.

From Kinlochleven, you're looking at roughly four hours for the round trip if you're a steady walker. The path starts from the old military road and climbs steadily through moorland - nothing technical, but it's relentless enough that you'll feel you've earned the summit. On a clear day the perspective is brilliant: you can see across to the Mamore Lodge hills and down towards Glencoe.

Truth is, most people heading to this corner of the Highlands are gunning for bigger peaks, so Sgor Eilde Beag stays refreshingly uncrammed. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the long approach tedious. Experienced walkers tackling the Grey Corries circuit often take this en route, so you'll have company if you're doing a bigger day.

It's completely free and accessible year-round, though winter demands proper kit and navigation skills. Allow a full afternoon minimum. Blackwater Hostel & Glamping sits just south of Kinlochleven and makes a solid base if you're stringing together a few walks in the area - the location punches above its weight for access to this part of the Highlands.