Brindy Hill

The walk up Brindy Hill near Keig rewards you with proper views across Aberdeenshire's rolling countryside - the sort of spot where you can actually see why people settled here centuries ago. It's not a dramatic peak by any means, but that's rather the point. You get the sense of achievement without needing climbing experience or technical gear, just decent boots and an hour or so to spare.

The climb itself is straightforward, taking you through moorland that shifts with the seasons. In late summer the heather turns everything purple-brown; spring brings that fresh green bite to the air. From the top, you're looking out over farmland and forest that stretches back towards the Cairngorms on a clear day. On cloudier afternoons it's moodier, more intimate somehow.

This is proper rambling territory rather than a tourist attraction with facilities. Bring water, wear layers - the wind picks up faster than you'd expect - and check the weather before you head out. There's no café at the summit, no visitor centre. If that sounds appealing, you'll have a good time here. If you're after marked trails and information boards, you might find it a bit bare-bones.

Stay at Haughton Holiday Park just down the road and you've got a solid base for exploring the Aberdeenshire hills. The park itself gets solid reviews, and Keig's close enough for supplies. Brindy Hill works as a morning or late afternoon outing - gives structure to a country break without eating your whole day.