Cairnmore

The walk up Cairnmore is straightforward enough, starting from near Huntly and gaining about 300 metres over a couple of hours. On a clear day - and you'll want to wait for one - the views across Aberdeenshire are properly excellent, stretching out towards the Cairngorms on the horizon. The summit itself is moorland, windswept and honest, with a trig point that's seen better days but does the job.

This is a walker's hill rather than a scenic spectacle. It won't stop you in your tracks like Ben Nevis might, but that's partly the point. Families with decent boots and reasonable fitness will find it manageable, though younger kids might flag on the final push. The terrain is rough underfoot - heather and bog in places - so proper footwear matters.

Allow a solid three hours there and back, longer if you're the type to linger and scan the vista properly. The moorland gets bleak in bad weather, which happens often, so timing is everything. Go when there's a decent forecast and you'll have a half-decent afternoon out.

If you're based at Huntly Castle Holiday Park, just under five miles away, this makes a natural day trip to stretch the legs. It's not complicated or crowded - just a proper Highlands walk without the tourist machinery. Worth the effort on a good day, but don't expect it to rival the bigger names.