Carran Hill

The walk up Carran Hill takes you through proper Aberdeenshire moorland, and the climb's straightforward enough that you won't need mountaineering experience. From the summit you get views across the Highlands that stretch on for miles - on a clear day you can pick out the Cairngorms in the distance. It's the kind of peak that rewards you without demanding too much in return.

This one suits walkers who want a decent outing without spending the whole day on their feet. Families with children who can manage a few kilometres of moorland path will find it manageable, though younger kids might flag on the way down. The terrain's a bit boggy in places, so proper boots matter more than fancy gear.

Keith's the nearest town if you need supplies or a coffee beforehand - it's close enough that you can make this a morning or afternoon excursion without messing about with logistics. Allow two to three hours for a steady round trip, depending on how long you linger at the top. The best light comes in late morning or early evening, so plan accordingly.

If you're staying at Hillside Havens holiday park just a few miles away, this makes a cracking day walk to break up a quieter break. It's not a wild alpine scramble, but it's solid Highlands terrain and worth the effort.