Cnoc Dubh

The walk up Cnoc Dubh from Aboyne takes the best part of an afternoon, and honestly, it's one of those peaks that rewards effort without demanding mountaineering expertise. The summit sits just under 2,000 feet, making it a proper workout rather than a technical climb - ideal for walkers wanting something more substantial than a stroll but without the slog of the bigger Cairngorms peaks nearby.

The view from the top sweeps across Deeside and into the Grampians, and on a clear day you can make out several other hills that'll tempt you back. The terrain's a mix of moorland and rough grassland, so you'll want decent boots and respect for Scottish weather - it can turn quickly up here. Most people allow three to four hours for the round trip from Aboyne, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

Families with confident walkers will find it manageable, though younger kids might struggle with the final push to the summit. History buffs won't find much to explore once you're up there, but the surrounding landscape tells you plenty about how people have farmed and lived in Deeside for centuries.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks - Tarland and Ballater are both within half an hour's drive - this makes a cracking half-day expedition. It breaks up a holiday nicely without eating up your whole day, and you've got the comfort of a proper campsite to return to afterwards.