Upper Lake

Upper Lake sits just outside Ellon, a genuinely peaceful stretch of water that doesn't get anywhere near the footfall of its more famous Scottish counterparts. The loch itself is small enough that you can take it in properly - not one of those sprawling reservoirs that tire you out just looking at it. What makes it worth the visit is the walk around it. The path's manageable, tree-lined in places, and gives you proper views across the water to the surrounding hills without demanding anything dramatic from your legs.

It's the sort of place where you'll actually see water birds rather than just hope to spot them. Photographers do well here, especially morning or late afternoon when the light's decent. Families with younger kids will find it less intimidating than some of the bigger lochs, though there's not much in the way of facilities - bring what you need.

If you're staying at Ythan Valley Campsite nearby, it's an obvious choice for a morning walk or a quieter alternative to the busier attractions dotted round Aberdeenshire. Allow a solid hour or ninety minutes for a proper loop depending on your pace. The Highland landscape around here is lovely without being showy, which is rather the point. Go when the weather's half decent - it can get properly bleak in winter, and there's not much shelter once you're on the circuit.