Cock Hill

The walk up Cock Hill from Banchory is a cracking afternoon out if you've got decent legs and a spare couple of hours. It's not dramatic - there's no scrambling or exposed ridges - but the steady climb through open moorland rewards you with proper views across the Aberdeenshire highlands once you crest the top. On a clear day you can see for miles.

The route itself is straightforward enough, mostly following a path that gets a bit boggy in places, so waterproof boots aren't optional. The hill sits just south of the village, making it one of those rare peaks where you don't need to drive far to start walking. Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might struggle with the full ascent unless they're keen.

What makes it worthwhile is the lack of crowds. You won't spend your time queuing or dodging other hikers, and the landscape has that raw Scottish character - heather, granite, wind. It's the sort of walk that justifies a weekend in Glen Dye rather than one of the bigger honey-pot destinations. Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages sits just down the road, and having a base there means you can tackle Cock Hill as part of a wider exploration of the area without faffing about with accommodation.

Allow three hours return including a stop at the summit. Spring and autumn are best - summer can be midgy, and winter demands proper navigation skills. Completely free, of course, like most Scottish hills.