Belrorie Hill

The walk up Belrorie Hill takes about forty minutes from Aboyne, and on a clear day you're rewarded with views across Deeside that make the climb feel genuinely worthwhile. It's not a dramatic peak - more a proper hill than a mountain - but that's exactly why families and casual walkers actually enjoy it rather than turn back halfway.

From the summit you can see the Cairngorms spreading out to the west, and on good weather the Grampians do something rather special with the light. The path itself is straightforward, well-trodden, nothing technical. You'll pass through woodland at first, then open moorland toward the top. Most people manage it in decent boots without drama.

It's the kind of walk that takes three hours all in - ascent, summit time, descent - so you're not committing your whole day. Good for a morning outing before heading back to Aboyne for lunch. Kids aged six and up will manage it fine if they're used to a bit of walking; younger ones might struggle with the pace rather than the terrain.

If you're staying at Firbank Park just 1.3 miles away, this is an obvious choice for a midweek leg-stretcher. Aboyne Loch Caravan Park, three and a half miles south, is also close enough to make it feasible. Neither requires special kit or permits that I'm aware of. Go early if the forecast looks dodgy - weather can turn quickly up there.