Waughton Hill

The walk up Waughton Hill takes about forty minutes if you're moving steadily, and you'll spend most of it thinking about whether the effort is worth it. Then you reach the top and realise it absolutely is. You're looking out over Aberdeenshire's farmland and moorland in one go - proper proper countryside that rolls away in every direction. On a clear day the visibility is genuinely impressive for a hill that's only 262 metres high.

It's a straightforward ascent from Mintlaw, nothing technical, so families with older kids will manage fine without faffing about. Younger ones might find the moorland walk a bit samey, but the summit itself is rewarding enough to justify the climb. The path is reasonable underfoot, though it can get boggy after rain - nothing unusual for the Highlands.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Aden or Down On The Farm are both well-rated - this makes an excellent morning or late-afternoon outing. You can do it without eating up your whole day, which is useful if you've got other plans locally. There's no visitor facilities on the hill itself, so bring water.

Historically minded types won't find much up there besides the views, but walkers who appreciate solid Highland scenery without the crowds will get genuine value from it. The bonus is you're never far from Mintlaw if you fancy a proper meal afterwards. Free to access, naturally.