Càrn Mòr

The walk up Càrn Mòr from Ballater isn't short, but it rewards you with views that stretch across the Cairngorms in one direction and down into Deeside in the other. It's a proper hill rather than a fell - rocky in places, boggy in others, the kind of terrain that demands decent boots and concentration on the descent.

You're looking at a good three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness. The summit itself is bare and windy, which means either brilliant visibility or nothing at all. Go on a clear day and you'll understand why people have been climbing this spot for centuries. Lose the cloud to the mountain and you're essentially paying your legs for the privilege of a walk in the mist.

It suits fell-walkers and anyone with the stamina for proper Scottish hill-country. Kids can manage it if they're used to outdoor days, though the exposed sections demand respect. There's something about reaching the cairn - that stacked pile of stones marking the top - that makes even a wet, windy summit feel worthwhile.

Ballater itself is small enough to navigate easily, and both Howe of Torbeg and Cairngorms Glamping sit within striking distance if you're basing yourself for a few days of mountain walking. Either campsite offers decent access to Deeside's walking routes. Start early if you go, bring a waterproof, and check the forecast. Visibility changes faster than you'd expect.