Cairn O'Mount

The walk up Cairn O'Mount from Banchory is one of those bracing Scottish outings that rewards you properly for the effort. You're looking at a hill rather than a mountain - 1,520 feet - but the views across Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms make it feel considerably grander once you reach the summit cairn.

The route itself follows a well-trodden path that starts fairly gently before getting steeper towards the top. Most people manage it in under two hours return, though you'll want to factor in time for catching your breath at the top and actually looking at the landscape instead of just collapsing into a heap. The moorland setting means there's bugger all shelter, so weather matters - a clear day transforms this into something genuinely special, while mist will leave you staring at clouds and questioning your life choices.

This is walker territory, full stop. Families might manage it with older kids who don't complain about steep bits, but it's not a casual stroll. The payoff is that it's free, it's accessible from Banchory without needing a car for hours, and you genuinely feel you've done something when you've topped out.

If you're staying at Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages just down the road, you've got yourself a proper little loop - comfortable base, cracking walk, minimal faffing about. Go early on a decent day. The mountain weather changes fast up here.