Lurg Hill

The walk up Lurg Hill from Buckie is steep enough to earn your lunch, but the summit rewards properly. You're looking at moorland views across Aberdeenshire that stretch inland toward the Highlands, and on a clear day the perspective shifts from coastal flatness to proper mountain country. It's not a technical climb - more of a determined trudge up open hillside - and takes the best part of an hour from the base depending on your fitness.

This works best for walkers rather than families with small children. The terrain is boggy underfoot in places and there's no path to speak of, just bracken and heather. Bring decent boots and expect to be muddy. The summit itself is windswept but unremarkable - a cairn marking the spot - so you're really here for the walk itself and the gradual change in landscape rather than a dramatic destination.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Greencraig Pods, Hillhead Hideaways, or Sandend Holidays - this makes a solid half-day excursion. It's close enough to base yourself near Buckie without making it a major road trip. Go in settled weather. Mist rolls in quickly and you'll lose everything you came for. Allow two to three hours total including a rest at the top. Free, obviously, and open whenever the weather permits.