Hill of Skares

The walk up Hill of Skares rewards you with proper Highland views once you've done the legwork. This isn't a gentle stroll - it's a real hill that demands respect, rising from the Aberdeenshire moorland near Auchleven with the kind of exposure that makes you pay attention to your footing.

What you get is a 360-degree panorama across the Scottish uplands. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles across rolling terrain, and the wind up there has teeth. The walk itself takes a couple of hours depending on fitness and which approach you take, so factor that in. It's one for folk who actually enjoy hiking rather than a quick pop-up attraction.

Historically, this area is solid walking country - you're in genuine Highlands territory where the landscape hasn't changed much in centuries. That said, don't expect visitor facilities or interpretation boards. It's just you, the hill, and the weather.

Families with younger kids should think twice. Teenagers who can handle a proper walk and enjoy being outdoors will get a genuine buzz from the summit. History buffs won't find much up here beyond the landscape itself, though the route passes through terrain steeped in old Highland culture.

The nearness to Glamping Bothie makes this a natural pairing if you're after an active break. It's the kind of walk you do on your first morning when energy levels are high, then spend the afternoon recovering at base camp. No entry fee, no crowds, no faffing about - just Scottish moorland and your own two legs.