Carn Dearg

The walk up Carn Dearg takes you through proper Highland scenery - moorland that goes on forever, granite outcrops, and views that stretch all the way to the Cairngorms when the light's right. It's not technically a mountain, more of a sturdy hill, but that's rather the point. From Ballater, you're looking at a solid two to three hours up and back, depending on your fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

This is one for walkers who want the satisfaction of a peak without needing rock climbing gear or a dawn start. The terrain is boggy in places - waterproof boots aren't optional - and the path isn't always obvious, so map skills help. On a clear day the views across Deeside justify every squelchy step. Bring layers. The weather can turn faster than you'd think.

Families with teenagers will manage it fine. Younger kids might find the moorland a bit relentless and featureless - there's not much to break up the walk visually until you're near the top. The real pull here is the solitude and the sense of having actually climbed something.

Stay at Howe of Torbeg, just 1.2 miles away - proper convenient for an early start - or the larger Ballater Caravan Park if you want more facilities. Both parks make sensible bases for exploring this corner of Aberdeenshire. Free to walk, obviously. Go in spring or early autumn when the midges are less murderous.