Clova Hill

The walk up Clova Hill rewards you with views that stretch across Aberdeenshire's rolling farmland, though you'll need reasonable legs to get there. It's a proper hill rather than a gentle slope - the kind that makes you breathe harder by the summit but leaves you feeling like you've earned the vista. From the top, the landscape unfolds in layers of green and gold, with the distant Cairngorms creating a dramatic backdrop on clear days.

This is walker territory first and foremost. Don't bring the toddlers expecting a scenic stroll; most people allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness. The terrain is rough in places and the exposure increases as you climb, so proper boots matter. Families with older kids who enjoy genuine hillwalking will get plenty from it, though younger children might find the push tedious.

Clova sits near Bithnie, making it a logical pairing with time spent at Haughton Holiday Park, which is just over six miles away. If you're staying in a static caravan or lodge in the area, this works nicely as a morning or early afternoon outing. The hill draws proper walkers rather than casual visitors - expect the car park to be quiet on weekdays.

Go when the weather's settled. Cloud rolls in quickly and the views vanish, which rather defeats the purpose. Summer and early autumn tend to be most reliable. It's free, it's accessible year-round, and there's something satisfying about climbing it properly rather than driving past.