Broom Hill

The walk up Broom Hill near Tullochvenus is a proper straightforward affair - nothing complicated, nothing that'll have you scrambling about looking for a footpath. It's the sort of hill that rewards you without demanding much in return.

You get good views across Aberdeenshire once you're up top, rolling countryside stretching out in most directions. On a clear day it's genuinely worth the effort, though I'll be honest - it's not the most dramatic summit in the Scottish Highlands. The walk itself is pleasant enough, neither a trudge nor a technical challenge. Most folk will manage it in an hour or so, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.

Families with reasonably capable walkers will find this manageable. Young kids might find it a bit of a slog, but there's nothing to worry about safety-wise. The real appeal is that it's unpretentious - you're not queuing with coach parties or finding the path rammed with people having Instagram moments.

If you're based at Aboyne Loch Caravan Park just a few miles away, Broom Hill makes a solid half-day outing. It slots in nicely with exploring the broader Deeside area rather than being a destination in itself. Get an early start and you'll have the hillside fairly quiet, which is when it's at its best. Bring a map or use your phone navigation - the route isn't always obvious on the ground.