Carnferg

The walk up Carnferg takes you into proper hill country, with the kind of views that make the huffing and puffing worthwhile. From Aboyne, it's a fairly straightforward approach across moorland and up through mixed woodland - nothing too technical, but the final push is steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. The summit itself isn't vast, but on a clear day you get sight lines right across Deeside and into the Cairngorms beyond. It's the sort of peak that rewards walkers without demanding rock climbing skills, so families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might lose interest on the long moorland sections, if I'm honest. Allow three to four hours there and back from the car park. The whole experience works brilliantly as a half-day expedition if you're based at Aboyne Loch Caravan Park or Firbank Park - both within easy reach and decent spots for a few nights. September and early October are best; you'll dodge the midges and catch the hillside turning gold. The paths can get boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential. Free to access, naturally. It's not a famous peak, which is rather its charm - you won't queue for a spot at the trig point.