Carn Fiaclach

The walk up Carn Fiaclach from Ballater takes you through proper Highland terrain - moorland, rocky outcrops, the lot. It's not a massive peak by Scottish standards, but the views back towards the Cairngorms and across Deeside are genuinely worth the effort. Allow two to three hours for the round trip if you're moving at a decent pace.

This one appeals to walkers looking for something less crowded than the main tourist peaks. You'll get solitude here, especially midweek. Families with older kids (say, age eight and up with reasonable fitness) will manage it fine. The path is a bit boggy in places and you're scrambling over rock towards the summit, so proper boots matter.

Head up from the Ballater side early in the day - parking can be tight. Summer's the obvious choice, but autumn when the light turns amber-gold is actually better for photography. The wind can be fierce up there, so dress for it.

If you're based at Braemar Caravan Park, Carn Fiaclach makes a cracking morning or afternoon outing - you're looking at about twenty minutes' drive from the park itself. It pairs well with exploring Ballater town on the way back, grabbing lunch, and hitting another lower walk the same day. Not a destination in itself, but a proper addition to a week in the area.