Bawdy Craig

The walk up Bawdy Craig rewards you with views that stretch across Aberdeenshire in every direction - on a clear day you can see right over to the Cairngorms. It's not particularly high at 244 metres, but the effort feels worth it because the outlook is genuinely impressive.

From Drumoak, the path climbs steadily through woodland before opening out onto moorland. Allow yourself ninety minutes to two hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. The terrain is straightforward enough for walkers of moderate ability, though it's boggy in places after rain - good boots matter.

The main appeal here is straightforward: a proper Scottish hill walk without the commitment of something higher. Families with children who've got their legs should manage it fine. History enthusiasts might appreciate the Iron Age fort remains up there, though they're not exactly dramatic. It's the views that do the talking.

If you're camping at either Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park or Deeside Holiday Park, both within striking distance, this makes a cracking morning or afternoon excursion. Neither site is far from Drumoak, so you won't waste half your day driving. It's the sort of walk that fits perfectly into a broader Aberdeenshire itinerary - not a destination in itself, but a proper stand-alone adventure that doesn't demand a full day commitment. Spring and autumn tend to offer the clearest skies.