Ballachulish

Dark mountains rise like cathedral spires from the shores of Loch Linnhe, their slopes scarred by ancient glaciers and draped in mist more often than not. Ballachulish sits at the heart of some of Scotland's most dramatic Highland scenery, where the Three Sisters of Glen Coe loom overhead and every turn reveals another reason why this corner of the Highlands draws mountaineers from around the world.

The village itself is modest - a proper Highland settlement that hasn't been tarted up for tourists. What matters here is the landscape. Aonach Dubh and Geàrr Aonach frame Glen Coe's famous entrance, while peaks like Sgorr na Cìche and Stob Coire nam Beith offer serious hiking for those with the legs for it. Less ambitious walkers can take the short trek to Hagrid's Hut Viewing Point, which gives cracking views without the five-hour slog.

Loch Achtriochtan reflects the surrounding peaks on still mornings, though those are rarer than you'd hope in this famously wet part of Scotland. Ossian's Cave adds a touch of mythology to the mix - legend has it the warrior-poet sheltered here, though getting to it requires a decent scramble.

Fort William lies fifteen minutes north along the A82, making it easy to stock up on supplies or catch the West Highland Line if you're travelling by train. The drive from Glasgow takes about two and a half hours through increasingly wild country.

Camping nearby puts you right in the thick of it all. Wake up to mountains on your doorstep rather than fighting the crowds that descend during the day. Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park gets you close to Ben Nevis, while Invercoe Caravan & Motorhome Park offers lochside pitches. Either beats the schlep back to Fort William after a long day on the hills.