Little Bin

The walk up Little Bin rewards you with one of those views that makes the slog worthwhile. It's a modest peak in Aberdeenshire, nothing that'll leave you gasping for breath, but the panorama across the Moray Firth and down toward Buckie gives you proper perspective on the Highland landscape.

The climb itself takes the best part of an hour depending on fitness. It's not technical - just a steady plod up rough ground - though you'll want decent boots because it gets boggy. The real appeal is the isolation. You won't queue here or jostle for the perfect photo angle. Just open moorland, the sound of wind, and if you're lucky, clear air stretching toward the coast.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a family stroll - the moorland can be exposed and navigation demands care - but seasoned hikers looking to get off the main trails will find it satisfying. Allow three hours return from the nearest trailhead, longer if the weather turns.

If you're basing yourself at Greencraig Pods or Sandend Holidays, Little Bin makes a proper half-day excursion. The caravan parks are well-positioned for this stretch of the Aberdeenshire coast, and tackling a lesser-known peak like this fits perfectly between seaside days and exploring the wider Highland fringe. Go midweek in decent weather and you might have the place to yourself entirely.