Britain's highest mountain is the perfect dress rehearsal: 1,345 metres, no technical ground on the Mountain Track, and weather that teaches you everything about respecting bigger hills. Allow seven to nine hours from Glen Nevis and pack for four seasons regardless of the forecast — the summit plateau manufactures its own. May to September gives the longest days. Finish in Fort William with chips, and start browsing Kilimanjaro flights on the train home.
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