Banchory

Royal Deeside's most underrated town sits where the River Dee takes a lazy bend through pine-clad hills. Banchory feels like a proper Scottish market town that hasn't tried too hard to court tourists - which is exactly why it works so well as a base for exploring this corner of Aberdeenshire.

The town's best-kept secret is Scolty Hill, a short but satisfying climb that rewards you with views across Royal Deeside to the Cairngorms. At the summit, the General Burnett Memorial Tower makes for a dramatic silhouette against the sky. It's the sort of walk that clears your head after too much time in the car.

Golf dominates much of the local scene. Inchmarlo Golf Resort offers two courses if you're serious about your swing, while Banchory Golf Club provides a more relaxed round with equally good views. The driving range at Inchmarlo is handy for a quick practice session.

Captain's Wood provides gentle woodland walks when the weather turns, and there's something quite magical about the way the light filters through the Scots pines. The kids will appreciate Bellfield Amusements for a bit of traditional seaside-style fun, though don't expect Alton Towers.

From Aberdeen, it's a straightforward 18-mile drive west along the A93. The surrounding countryside is all rolling hills and river valleys - proper Highland fringe territory that feels remote without being too far from civilisation. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks means you can explore both the Cairngorms to the west and the coast around Stonehaven to the east. It's an excellent halfway house between mountain and sea.