Black Craig

You'll spot Black Craig long before you reach it - that dark, craggy tor rising above the Deeside landscape near Aboyne is hard to miss. It's not a difficult walk, more of a steady pull up through mixed woodland and open moorland, taking the better part of an hour depending on your pace. The views back across Royal Deeside are genuinely worth the effort, and on a clear day you can see well into the Cairngorms.

This is proper walking country, not a leisurely stroll. The summit itself is rocky and exposed, which means the wind can be sharp up there even when conditions seem mild at the bottom. Bring layers. There's something satisfying about reaching a peak this accessible yet still commanding - you don't need technical kit or serious experience, but you do need to know what you're doing in poor visibility.

Walkers and hillwalkers will get the most from Black Craig. It's the sort of place families might tackle if the children are reasonably capable on steep ground and don't mind a bit of exposure. History buffs won't find much - it's geology and views you're after here, not stories.

Base yourself at Aboyne Loch Caravan Park, just 3.8 miles away, and you've got easy access to this and several other Deeside walks. Tarland site sits a bit further out but both offer proper facilities for a week exploring the area. Go early on weekends to avoid the car park crush. Allow two to three hours including the return.