Craig of Loinmuie

The walk up Craig of Loinmuie isn't long, but it's steep enough to make your legs complain. Starting from near Ballater, you're climbing towards proper Cairngorms terrain - moorland, granite, wind that cuts right through you even on what looks like a calm day. The summit sits at around 900 metres, which sounds nothing until you're breathing hard halfway up and wondering why you didn't choose a gentler afternoon out.

What makes it worth the graft is the view once you crest it. South and west opens up to the Dee valley, north towards the higher peaks. On a clear day you can pick out Ben Muich Dhui. On a misty day, which is most days up here, you get that moody Highland thing where the landscape reveals itself in patches. Took me about three hours there and back, moving at a reasonable pace.

This suits walkers who know their way around hills - it's not a stroll and the paths can get boggy. Families with older kids would manage it fine if you set the right expectations and pack proper snacks. The nearest caravan parks - Ballater Caravan Park and Howe of Torbeg both within striking distance - make it an easy morning or afternoon mission if you're based in the area for a few days.

Free, obviously. No café at the top, no facilities. Go in decent weather or don't go at all - visibility here vanishes fast.