Creag an Dail Mhòr

The walk up Creag an Dail Mhòr from Ballater is properly rewarding - a decent hill rather than a mountain, which means you get proper views without needing a head for heights or technical kit. The summit sits at a comfortable height where the Cairngorms open up around you, and on a clear day you can see for miles across Aberdeenshire.

It's the sort of peak that appeals to folk who want more than a stroll but aren't quite ready for a full alpine scramble. The route isn't massively technical, though the final push up to the cairn does get steep enough to keep things interesting. Allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on your fitness and how long you linger at the top - and you will want to linger.

Bring proper boots rather than trainers, even though it looks manageable. The ground can be boggy lower down, and once you're higher up, the weather can turn quickly in the Highlands. Morning walks tend to be clearer, though midweek visits mean fewer folk clogging up the path.

If you're staying at Braemar Caravan Park just down the road, this makes a brilliant day out without the drive commitment. It's the kind of hill that works for older kids and teenagers who've got a bit of stamina but might find Ben Nevis overkill. The views at the top genuinely justify the effort - not a slog for a letdown.