Craig of Bunzeach

The walk up Craig of Bunzeach rewards you with views that stretch across the high moorland between Strathdon and the Cairngorms proper. It's not a mountain - more of a substantial hill that gives proper altitude without demanding rock scrambling or technical kit.

From the summit you're looking down into the River Don valley with the Cairngorms massif dominating the southern horizon. Clear days are brilliant; misty ones make the whole thing feel rather moody and atmospheric. The approach is straightforward moorland walking, which means good boots and waterproofs are non-negotiable here - this isn't the kind of place to wander up in trainers.

Walkers will absolutely get their money's worth. It's the kind of half-day job that leaves you feeling you've actually been somewhere rather than just ticked a box. The moorland itself is genuinely wild, and if you're after solitude rather than crowded summits, this delivers. Families with kids who can handle two to three hours of steady walking will find it manageable, though younger children might struggle with the moorland terrain.

Strathdon sits right at the gateway to this country, so you're well-positioned whether you're based there or staying at Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite just a couple of miles away. Best visited in late spring through early autumn when the weather is more cooperative, though honestly the place has a certain appeal even in blustery weather. Allow roughly three hours return from the car, depending on your pace and whether you linger at the top.