Hill of Brackans

The walk up Hill of Brackans rewards you with proper views across Aberdeenshire's rolling farmland - the kind of panorama that makes the leg-work feel worthwhile. It's not a dramatic peak by Highland standards, but that's rather the point. This is working countryside, not theatre, and the summit gives you a genuine sense of what the land around Turriff actually looks like when you're standing on top of it.

The ascent itself is straightforward enough for anyone with reasonable fitness. You're looking at a solid walk rather than a scramble, so families with older kids and regular hikers will find their rhythm here. The path isn't overly technical, though the ground can be boggy depending on recent weather - waterproof boots aren't optional. Most people allow a couple of hours for the round trip, depending on pace and how long you linger at the top.

It's the sort of walk that justifies a morning trip from one of the local caravan parks - Turriff Caravan Park sits just 3.5 miles away, making it an easy base. Greenwood Loch and Shepherd's Loch Glamping are similarly convenient if you're after something with more atmosphere. The hill itself doesn't demand a full day, but paired with a wander round Turriff town or a visit to nearby attractions, it slots nicely into a Highlands break. Fair-weather walkers might find it a bit ordinary if visibility is poor, but on a clear day it's a cracking way to get your bearings and stretch your legs.