Bawbee Loch

The walk down to Bawbee Loch rewards you with a proper slice of Aberdeenshire quiet. It's a small freshwater loch, nothing dramatic, but that's rather the point - the kind of place you stumble upon when you're not chasing Instagram moments. The water reflects whatever sky you get, which in the Highlands can shift from brooding grey to brilliant blue in the space of an hour. Walkers love it because the approach is straightforward without being dull, and you genuinely feel removed from the main tourist drag around Fraserburgh.

Families with young legs will find it manageable, though don't expect paddleboats or facilities - this is wild swimming territory if you're brave, or simply a spot to sit and watch for the occasional heron. The loch itself isn't large enough to occupy you for hours, but combined with a stay at either Down On The Farm or AC/DC Glamping just a few miles away, it slots nicely into a morning ramble before heading back for lunch. Both sites are top-rated and positioned well for exploring this quieter corner of Aberdeenshire.

Best visited on a clearer day when you can actually see across the water properly. Midweek is infinitely more pleasant than weekends if you can manage it. Admission appears to be free - there's no gatehouse or fees that I could find - and it costs you nothing but time and a pair of decent walking boots. Allow an hour to get there and back, maybe a bit longer if you're the lingering type.