Càrn a' Choire Bhòidheach

The walk up Càrn a' Choire Bhòidheach starts innocuously enough from the Ballater side, but don't let the modest approach fool you - this is proper hill country. The peak sits at a decent height without being absolutely brutal, which makes it far more appealing than some of its neighbours in the Cairngorms. On a clear day, the views back towards Ballater and across the braes are genuinely worth the effort. The terrain is classic Scottish - heather, granite boulders, the occasional boggy section that'll test your boots.

This one's ideal for walkers who've done a few hills before but aren't ready to tackle the high Cairngorm massifs. You're looking at roughly three to four hours depending on fitness and how much you stop to catch your breath. Families with teenagers will manage it fine; younger kids might find it heavy going on the return leg.

The route works brilliantly as part of a broader Ballater-based holiday. Pop Braemar Caravan Park into your sat nav if you're basing yourself nearby - it's only six miles away and a solid spot for a few nights exploring the area. The best time to go is late spring through early autumn when the weather's more forgiving and the midges haven't gone completely feral. There's no visitor centre or facilities on the mountain itself, so sort yourself out in Ballater beforehand. It's free to walk, naturally - just park sensibly and head up.