Burgiehill

The walk up Burgiehill isn't long, but it's steep enough to catch you out if you're not paying attention. Most people tackle it from near Forres, and the climb takes roughly 45 minutes depending on fitness and how many times you stop to look back at the Moray landscape spreading out below you.

What you get at the top is a proper sense of achievement - a cairn, moorland views across the Highlands, and on a clear day you can see well beyond the immediate area. It's the sort of place that feels genuinely wild despite being accessible from a town. The path isn't maintained like a tourist hotspot, which is part of its appeal. You're not queuing. You're not dodging selfie sticks.

This works best for walkers who want something real but don't fancy a full day's expedition. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though toddlers might struggle with the rocky sections near the summit. It's free, obviously - it's a hill. Go early if you can, not just for the light but because the weather can turn quickly up there.

If you're staying at The Loft Glamping & Camping just down the road, Burgiehill makes a cracking half-day outing. Doesn't eat your whole morning, delivers decent views, and leaves you with time to explore Forres itself or tackle something more ambitious elsewhere in Aberdeenshire.