Creag Mhòr

The walk up Creag Mhòr from Ballater is straightforward enough, but the payoff is proper rewarding. This isn't a Cairngorm monster - it's a more modest Highland peak that actually gets you somewhere without needing crampons or a sherpa, and the views across Aberdeenshire are genuinely excellent on a clear day.

You're looking at a few hours round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. The route itself is well-trodden and reasonably well-marked, which means walkers of intermediate ability won't struggle. It's the sort of hill that families with older kids might manage, though younger ones could find it a bit steep for what it is. The paths can be boggy after rain - standard Highland fare - so decent boots are non-negotiable.

What makes it worth the effort is the elevation gain feeling genuinely earned when you reach the summit. You get proper mountain air without the full commitment of tackling something like Lochnagar, which looms not far away and is undoubtedly more dramatic. If you're staying at Howe of Torbeg, the holiday park just outside Ballater, this is an ideal morning or afternoon outing before heading back for a proper dinner.

Timing-wise, spring through early autumn is best - winter can be grim and the ground treacherous. Access is free, of course. Allow three to four hours including stops. It's the sort of hill locals know well but visitors often miss, which is precisely why it's worth doing.