Craigendarroch

The walk up Craigendarroch from Ballater takes about an hour and rewards you with proper views across Deeside and into the Cairngorms beyond. It's not a massive peak - only 1,000 metres - but it punches above its weight for accessibility. You can start right from the town, which makes it brilliant for families who don't fancy a long drive to a trailhead.

The path climbs steadily through mixed woodland before opening out onto the hill itself. On a clear day, the panorama is genuinely good. Royal Deeside unfolds below you, and if the light's right, you can see for miles into the mountains. It's the sort of walk where you feel like you've earned a proper view without needing fell boots and a packed lunch for six hours.

Who should go? Anyone based at Ballater Caravan Park or Howe of Torbeg will find this an easy half-day option, especially if the weather's decent. Walkers of all abilities manage it - nothing technical, just straightforward climbing. You could easily combine it with exploring Ballater itself, which has a decent high street and some lovely cafes. Even Firbank Park, further out, isn't so far that you couldn't make an evening of it.

Go in autumn or spring when the midges aren't out. Summer can be rank. Allow two to three hours round trip, and bring water. It's free, obviously - just park sensibly in town and head up.