Craigneil

The walk up Craigneil rewards you with proper Highland views, especially if you time it right and catch the light hitting Deeside just so. It's not a massive peak - nothing that'll take all day - but it's steep enough to feel like you've earned your place at the top.

From Drumoak, the nearest town, you can get to the trailhead without too much faffing about. The climb itself is straightforward but unforgiving in places; bring decent boots because the ground gets boggy and loose underfoot. The views across the Cairngorms and down the valley are what you're here for, and they don't disappoint on a clear day. In poor visibility, honestly, it's a bit dull - just heather and mist.

Walkers will find it properly satisfying rather than brutal. Families with older kids will manage fine, but younger ones might struggle with the exposed bits. Allow two to three hours return. It's free to access, as with most Scottish hills.

If you're basing yourself at one of the caravan parks nearby - Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park or Silverbank, both excellent and rated highly - Craigneil makes a cracking half-day outing. It's not the sort of place you'd visit twice in one trip, but slotted into a week exploring the area around Deeside, it's well worth the morning's effort.