Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire

The walk up Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire isn't for the faint-hearted, but the Highland views from 2,335 feet justify every gasping breath. This is proper mountain terrain - steep, exposed, and unforgiving in poor weather. The peak rises above Strathcarron with commanding views across the Applecross Peninsula and down towards Torridon. Allow three to four hours for a round trip from the base of the hill.

This one's for serious walkers who relish a bit of scrambling and don't mind loose scree. The path is rough rather than managed, and you'll need decent boots and a head for heights - there are exposed sections where a slip would be genuinely nasty. Fair-weather hikers should think twice. Kids might manage it if they're confident and you're willing to go slowly, but most families would find it a slog without the payoff.

Mid to late summer is your best bet - spring and autumn can be grim, and winter demands winter skills. Check the weather before you head out. There's no visitor centre, no cafe, nothing commercial up there - just you, the mountain, and increasingly spectacular views as you gain height.

If you're basing yourself at Shieldaig Camping & Cabins nearby, this is a cracking half-day mission. The area's steep and dramatic all round - Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire sits within some of the wildest terrain in the Highlands, so you're in for proper mountain scenery, not the gentle stuff.