Gallows Hill

The walk up Gallows Hill from Aboyne is straightforward enough - nothing too taxing, and the views across Aberdeenshire open up properly once you're halfway up. It's a modest peak by Highland standards, but that's rather the point. You're not battling scree or dodging weather systems here; you're getting a proper perspective of the area without the full mountain commitment.

The summit gives you sight lines across the Dee Valley towards the Cairngorms in the distance. On a clear day it's genuinely worthwhile. On a damp one, less so - the plateau can feel a bit exposed and featureless when the clouds roll in, which they often do in this part of the world.

Walkers will get the most from this one. Kids will manage it fine if they're used to a gentle hike, though there's not much to do once you're up there except look around and eat a sandwich. It's the sort of walk that works brilliantly if you're staying at Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite just down the road - take an afternoon, bag the hill, be back for tea. The nearby Tarland Camping & Caravanning Club Site and Howe of Torbeg give you other bases within easy reach.

Allow a couple of hours there and back from Aboyne, depending on pace. It's free, obviously - just a hill. Early morning before the cloud builds is your best bet, particularly in summer when the midges can be savage by late afternoon.