Meikle Folla

A modest summit in the Aberdeenshire hills, Meikle Folla sits just above 1,500 feet and makes for a straightforward walk from Inverurie. This isn't a dramatic peak - the approach is steady rather than steep, which means it works nicely for families who want a proper hill walk without the scrambling nonsense.

The reward is a 360-degree panorama across Deeside and towards the Cairngorms. On a clear day you can pick out Ben Avon on the horizon. The views span far enough that you get a real sense of the geography here - the Don Valley spreads out below, and you can trace the ridgelines westward.

Walkers will appreciate the accessibility. It takes roughly ninety minutes to reach the summit from the standard starting point, and the path is well-defined. Strong hill-walkers might feel it's a bit tame, but that's precisely the point - it's ideal if you're breaking up a longer stay or want something achievable between other activities.

Head out in the afternoon light if you can. The sun hitting the valleys makes the whole thing rather photogenic. Winter can be boggy lower down, so waterproofs matter more than gaiters.

For base-camp comfort, Glamping Bothie is just down the road - a five-minute drive - which means you can tackle Meikle Folla without faffing about with a distant starting point. Combine it with other walks in Deeside and you've got a solid Aberdeenshire hill itinerary.