Creag na Slice

The walk up Creag na Slice from Aboyne is one of those Scottish outings that feels properly rewarding without being a full day commitment. It's a modest peak by Highland standards, but don't let that fool you - the views across Aberdeenshire from the top are genuinely excellent, especially if you time it for clear weather.

From Aboyne, you're looking at roughly two hours up and the same back down, depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath on the steeper sections. The path is well-trodden and straightforward, which means families with older kids can manage it without drama. Younger children might struggle with the climb itself, though the sense of achievement at the summit usually makes it worth the effort.

It's completely free and open year-round, though winter can make the ascent trickier underfoot. Spring through autumn is your sweet spot. Allow the best part of a morning or afternoon, plus a packed lunch if you want to linger at the top.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Firbank Park is closest at just over a mile from Aboyne town centre, or Ballater Caravan Park five miles south - this makes a cracking half-day excursion alongside exploring the village itself. Aboyne's got proper shops and cafes to refuel in afterwards. It's not a dramatic mountain experience, but for a straightforward Highland walk with decent views, it does the job.