Broomy Lea

The walk up Broomy Lea takes less than an hour from Leslie, and on a clear day it's absolutely worth the short detour. You get genuine Aberdeenshire views from the top - moorland rolling away to the Grampians, and on good weather days you can pick out distant peaks. The path itself is straightforward enough, nothing technical, though it can get boggy underfoot after rain so decent boots matter.

It's the sort of hill that rewards families with older kids or anyone after a proper walk without the full commitment of the bigger peaks. You won't find facilities up there, so bring water and something to eat. Late afternoon gives you the best light if you're bothered about photographs.

Broomy Lea works perfectly if you're staying at Haughton Holiday Park down the road - close enough for a morning or afternoon excursion without eating into your whole day. The view from the top justifies the walk, though it's not the kind of place that'll blow your mind if visibility's poor. Go when the weather's cooperating and you'll have a decent few hours outdoors. The moorland around it is proper Scottish countryside - heather, open ground, the works.