Hunter's Hill

A proper forest walk rather than a manicured tourist spot, Hunter's Hill sits just outside Laurencekirk and rewards you with decent views across Aberdeenshire if you're willing to put in some legwork. The woodland itself is fairly typical Highland pine and mixed trees - nothing that'll make you gasp, but solid enough for a couple of hours rambling about.

It's a walker's destination, basically. Families with older kids who don't mind a bit of mud will get something out of it, though there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so don't expect the polished experience you'd get at some of the bigger attractions. The paths are well-trodden but can be boggy in wet weather, which is most of the time up here. You're looking at a good two to three hours if you want to do the loop properly and take in the views without rushing.

Worth combining with a stay at Royal Arch Riverside Park just down the road - that's a cracking base for the area, rated highly by people who actually stay there. Glen Dye Cabins are a bit further out but might suit if you want something quieter. Neither park is far enough that you couldn't tackle Hunter's Hill as a half-day activity between other bits of your holiday.

Go on a decent weather day and it's a solid walk. Go in drizzle and mist, and you're basically just tramping through damp trees for three hours. Choose wisely.