Corse Hill

The walk up Corse Hill from Aboyne takes about ninety minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the view across Royal Deeside makes every step worthwhile. You're looking down at the River Dee winding through farmland, with the mass of Mount Keen visible on the horizon - it's genuinely expansive stuff.

It's a hill rather than a mountain, and that makes it ideal for families who want a proper walk without the scrambling. The path is well-trodden but not overcrowded, even on weekends. Allow three hours round trip if you're going at a leisurely pace with kids, stopping to catch your breath and take photos. The terrain's fairly standard Highland - grass, bracken, the occasional boggy bit - nothing technical.

Walkers will appreciate how much ground you cover for the effort. History types won't find anything particularly old up here, but the panoramic view is exactly why people used to come up hills before the internet was invented. On a clear day you can see proper distance. On a grey day, which is often, it's still moody and worthwhile.

Both Aboyne Loch Caravan Park and Tarland Camping & Caravanning Club Site are within easy reach - perfect bases if you're planning several walks in the area. Either way, this isn't a "must do" destination, but if you're already in Deeside with decent boots and a couple of hours spare, it delivers.