Crannach Hill

The walk up Crannach Hill isn't particularly long, but it's steep enough to get your heart going. From Ballater, you're looking at a proper climb through mixed woodland that opens out onto open moorland - the kind of terrain where you can actually see for miles once you've done the graft. The summit views across Aberdeenshire are genuinely worth the effort: on a clear day you're looking at the broader Cairngorms landscape, though the hill itself isn't high enough to feel alpine.

This is a good shout for families with older kids or anyone wanting a half-day walk that doesn't require navigating serious terrain. You'll need proper boots because the ground gets boggy, and allow a couple of hours there and back depending on fitness. The real strength here is that it's doable without being trivial - no scrambling required, but enough of a challenge to feel satisfying.

If you're caravan-based at Ballater Caravan Park or Firbank Park, this works brilliantly as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. The nearby Howe of Torbeg site would also suit walkers keen to base themselves for a few days tackling the local hills. Spring through autumn is fine, though midges can be tiresome in August and September. Winter can be boggy rather than snowy at this elevation. Go early if you want peace - it's not exactly undiscovered, but it's not rammed either.