Kirkton Hill

The walk up Kirkton Hill from Laurencekirk takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a reasonable pace, and the views across Aberdeenshire really do justify the effort. It's not a dramatic Highland peak - more of a proper rolling moorland climb - but on a clear day you can see a fair distance across the agricultural land that defines this part of Scotland. The summit itself is modest but offers a genuine sense of isolation once you're up there, which is harder to find than you'd think this close to civilisation. Walkers will get the most out of this one. It's straightforward navigation without scrambling or technical bits, so families with older kids can manage it without drama. Allow two to three hours for the round trip including a proper stop at the top. The surrounding area works well if you're basing yourself at Royal Arch Riverside Park or St Cyrus Holiday Park - both within spitting distance - and you can easily combine this with other local walks rather than making it a full day's mission. The moorland landscape means weather matters more than you might think. Go when it's clear, not on a dreich day when the cloud sits low and you're essentially climbing into nothing. Winter walks are bleak but rewarding if you've got proper kit. No fees, no restrictions - you can walk this year-round.