Sron Liath

The walk up Sron Liath is a proper hill rather than a full mountain, which makes it unexpectedly good for a half-day outing from Fort William. You're looking at a steep climb through rough moorland and scree - nothing technical, but it demands respect and decent boots. The summit sits at 982 metres and the views across the Glen Coe hills and down towards Ben Nevis itself justify the slog on a clear day.

This one appeals to walkers who want the satisfaction of a peak without committing to a full Nevis. Families with older kids (say, 10+) can manage it in decent weather, though the exposure on the upper sections means you need heads for heights and steady feet. Count on three to four hours return from the roadside parking near Buachaille Etive Mòr. The route isn't waymarked brilliantly, so an OS map and compass or GPS are essential - don't rely on your phone battery out here.

Go in summer or early autumn when the ground dries out. Winter transforms this into a different beast altogether. It's free to walk, naturally, and if you're camping at Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park or staying at Ben Nevis Holiday Park, you can be on the hill within half an hour. Linnhe Lochside Holidays works too, though it's a bit further round.

Really, Sron Liath punches above its weight. It's not fashionable - everyone wants Ben Nevis - but that's precisely why it's worth doing.