Craigrath

A steady climb of about two hours gets you to the top of Craigrath, and on a clear day the effort absolutely pays for itself. The peak sits above Banchory in Aberdeenshire, and what makes it worthwhile is the panorama once you're up there - rolling moorland stretches out in every direction, with the Dee valley dropping away to the south. The walk itself is straightforward rather than technical, which means families with older kids can manage it without too much complaint, though younger ones might find the final stretch tedious. It's the kind of place where walkers actually linger, not just tick off and leave. The views are proper expansive, especially if you time it for late afternoon when the light turns golden across the hills. Allow a good half-day, including a break at the top. Weather matters more than most walks - when mist rolls in (and it does), the appeal drops considerably. Worth combining with a night at Banchory Lodge Caravan Park or Silverbank, both highly rated and only a few miles away. If you're staying in the area for a park holiday, this is a cracking spot to stretch the legs without heading too far afield. Free to visit, naturally, and no facilities at the summit, so bring water and something to eat. Not a destination in itself, but absolutely worth the detour if you're based locally.