Meall Ruadh

The walk up Meall Ruadh is a proper lung-buster, but the reward is a view that makes Fort William feel very far away indeed. This 922-metre peak sits in the shadows of its more famous neighbour Ben Nevis, which means fewer people clogging up the path and a surprisingly peaceful afternoon in the Highlands.

The route takes you through moorland and climbing terrain that gets steeper as you gain height. Allow three to four hours for a decent pace, longer if you're taking it easy or stopping for photos. On a clear day the views across Loch Eil and back towards Ben Nevis are genuinely worth the effort. On a grey one, well, you'll still feel like you've earned your supper.

Walkers with decent fitness levels will get the most from this. It's not technical scrambling, but it demands respect and proper boots. Families with teenagers keen to tick off a Munro-adjacent peak will manage fine. Young children would struggle with the length and gradient.

The nearest caravan parks - Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis Holiday Park, both within easy reach of Fort William - make excellent bases. You could string this together with other Lochaber walks or even use it as a warm-up for Ben Nevis itself if you're feeling ambitious. Linnhe Lochside, slightly closer, offers a more relaxed vibe if you want to recover properly afterwards.

Go when the midges aren't out, so late spring through early autumn. Start early to catch the light on the hills.