Craig of Affrusk

The walk up Craig of Affrusk isn't long, but it's properly steep in places and the reward at the top is a commanding view across Aberdeenshire that stretches for miles on a clear day. You're looking down the Dee Valley towards Banchory, with the hills rolling away in all directions - it's one of those spots where you genuinely understand why people settle in this part of the Highlands.

The ascent takes about forty minutes if you're reasonably fit, maybe an hour if you're taking it easy or have kids in tow. It's a genuine hill walk rather than a stroll, so proper boots matter. The path itself is well-trodden and obvious enough, though it gets muddy after rain like everything else round here does.

This works brilliantly if you're based at one of the caravan parks near Banchory - Silverbank or Feughside are close enough that you could knock it out before lunch and still have the afternoon free. Glen Dye Cabins further out offers a bit more peace if you've got a week to spend. The walk suits anyone who actually enjoys climbing hills rather than just looking at them. It's not a quick photo stop, and if you're expecting a gentle ramble, you'll find it harder work than you bargained for.

Time it for late morning when the light's decent but you're not fighting the afternoon glare. The view south towards the Cairngorms is the real payoff, and it's worth the grind.