Brigton Hill

Brigton Hill rises sharply above the flatness of Aberdeenshire, and on a clear day the walk up rewards you properly. From Forfar, it's a straightforward drive inland, and once you're parked at the base, the climb takes around an hour depending on your fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

The view from the top sweeps across the Mearns and towards the Cairngorms - genuinely worth the effort. On misty days it's honestly a bit pointless, so check the weather first. Most people manage it in two to three hours round trip, which makes it ideal if you're staying nearby at Greenhillock Glamping and want to work off a full breakfast.

This isn't a casual stroll. The path gets steep in places and can be muddy after rain, so proper walking boots are essential. Solo walkers and fit families will get the most from it; young kids might struggle with the gradient. There's something satisfying about a proper hill walk rather than a gentle park meander, and Brigton Hill delivers that without needing mountaineering skills.

The Highland landscape here feels properly remote despite being only an hour from decent towns. If you're combining it with a longer holiday in Aberdeenshire, this makes a solid half-day outing. Bring water, allow time at the top to settle and look around, and you'll understand why locals rate it.