Cairn William

The walk up Cairn William isn't long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs by the top. Starting near Pitfichie in Aberdeenshire, this modest peak gives you proper views across the Don Valley - the sort of landscape that makes you understand why people stay in the northeast rather than heading south. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a grey one, which is most days, you get the drama of the clouds rolling in instead.

It's an hour's walk maximum, so families with older kids won't struggle, though younger ones might grumble on the final push. The path is well-trodden and straightforward. No scrambling, no technical bits. If you're staying at Haughton Holiday Park nearby, it's worth combining with this as a morning jaunt before heading elsewhere in the region.

Who gets the most out of it? Hill walkers who appreciate a quick scramble without the commitment of a full Cairngorms day. History types might find the cairn itself - the pile of stones at the top - mildly interesting, though don't expect much context or interpretation. It's really a spot for getting outside, stretching your legs, and remembering why you came to Scotland in the first place.

Go early if the weather's promising. These hills can cloud over fast.