Stob Coire a' Chairn

The walk up Stob Coire a' Chairn demands proper respect - it's a serious hill rather than a gentle ramble, with steep sections that'll have your legs burning before you reach the summit. From Kinlochleven, you're looking at a good few hours round trip, so start early and pack more water than you think you'll need.

What makes this peak worthwhile isn't the facilities - there aren't any - but the views across the Mamore range once you've earned them. The ridge walking up top is where it gets interesting, with exposure that keeps things real rather than boring. Experienced hikers and fell runners get the most from this one; casual walkers might find the ascent a bit relentless and wonder why they didn't pick something gentler.

If you're based at Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park, you're perfectly placed to tackle this as a day mission - it's only five-and-a-half miles away. The higher-rated campsite has proper facilities worth using before you head out. Blackwater Hostel is closer at two-and-a-half miles if you're staying light and want to knock this out without much faffing about.

Weather matters enormously here. On a clear day with decent vis, you'll understand why people bother. Midges can be brutal in summer evenings, so timing is everything. Midweek in spring or autumn tends to feel less crowded than peak season weekends.