Clatterin Kist

The walk up to Clatterin Kist is properly straightforward, a short pull from the Clatt area that rewards you with decent views across Aberdeenshire. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like the Cairngorms - but that's sort of the point. You get a genuine sense of the landscape without the knee-battering scramble.

The summit itself is relatively modest in height, making it ideal for families who want a proper hill walk without the commitment. Older children will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the exposed bits a touch tedious. The name comes from the old Scots word for a stone building or chest, though what exactly stood here is lost to time. You'll likely have the place to yourself outside school holidays.

Allow a couple of hours return if you're taking your time. The ground can be boggy after rain - which in Aberdeenshire is often - so decent boots matter. There's no café or visitor centre, so bring water and a snack.

If you're staying at Haughton Holiday Park nearby, this makes a cracking morning sortie before hitting the main attractions. It won't dominate your trip, but it's the sort of local walk that feels honest and gives you the lie of the land without the tourist crowds. Worth it if you're in the area and fancy stretching your legs properly.