Run Free Dog Fields - Kingswells

The fields at Kingswells are exactly what they sound like - proper space for dogs to burn off energy without the lead on. It's a no-frills sort of place, which is precisely why dog owners round Aberdeen keep coming back. There's nothing fancy here, just open ground where your dog can actually run.

You'll want to allow at least 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how knackered you want your spaniel or terrier to get. The fields are genuinely free to use, and there's car parking that doesn't require you to book online or feed a machine - a small mercy in modern Britain.

It's the sort of spot that works brilliantly if you're staying at Deeside Holiday Park just down the road - gives the dog a proper outing while you're doing the Scottish Highlands thing. Families with energetic dogs will get the most from it; if you've got a senior dog who's happy with a gentle walk, you can skip it without missing out.

Worth knowing: the ground can get boggy in winter, so wellies aren't a bad shout. Go early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the after-school crowd. There's no cafe or facilities on-site, so sort yourself out before you arrive.

It's not Instagram-worthy and there's no visitor attraction gloss to it, but that's rather the point. If your dog needs to leg it, this does the job.