Den of Maidencraig

A short walk from Hazlehead takes you to Den of Maidencraig, a wooded gorge carved out by the Shee Burn that cuts down through the Aberdeenshire landscape with proper drama. The burn crashes through narrow stone walls, and if you go after rain, it's genuinely worth seeing - the water's brown and thundering, nothing like the trickle you'll get on a dry spell.

It's a straightforward woodland walk rather than a major destination, which means you won't find crowds. The path winds down through dense trees with a few rocky sections underfoot, so wear proper shoes. Most people manage it in forty minutes to an hour, though you can dawdle longer if the mood takes. The gorge itself is the main event - there's not a café or visitor centre, just you, the trees, and the water.

History enthusiasts might appreciate the old mill works dotted about, remnants of when the burn actually did something beyond looking atmospheric. Families with young children should be fine on the main path, though the scramblier bits require a bit of care.

If you're staying at Deeside Holiday Park nearby, it's a pleasant half-day excursion that gets you off the caravan site without eating up most of your afternoon. Go early to avoid the worst of any footfall, and bring a waterproof - the canopy drips for hours after rain.