Craigbeg

The walk up Craigbeg from Banchory is straightforward enough, but the views across Aberdeenshire make the effort worthwhile. It's not a massive peak - more of a proper hill than a mountain - which means you're looking at an hour or so to the summit without needing serious kit. The Dee Valley spreads out below you on a clear day, and the surrounding countryside rolls away in waves of green and moorland. Walkers will find it accessible without being dull. The path is well-trodden and the gradient steady rather than brutal. It's free to walk, as with most Scottish peaks, and there's parking near the village. You won't find crowds here, which is refreshing. Summer and early autumn are best - visibility matters when the main reward is the panorama. This works well as a half-day excursion if you're based at one of the nearby parks. Greenpark Leisure is just over two miles away and makes a solid base for exploring the area. If you've got kids keen on proper walking but not ready for serious mountaineering, Craigbeg fits the bill nicely. It's the sort of hill that builds confidence without crushing legs. The village of Banchory itself is worth a wander afterwards - decent cafes and shops for refuelling.