Càrn Allt a'Chlaiginn

The walk up Càrn Allt a'Chlaiginn from Keith isn't long, but it's properly steep. You're climbing a granite peak in the Scottish Highlands that doesn't require technical skills, just decent legs and the right weather. Most walkers tackle it in two to three hours round trip.

What you get for your effort is a view across Aberdeenshire that stretches for miles on clear days. The Cairngorms sit on the horizon, and on a good afternoon the light catches the uplands in a way that makes the slog feel worthwhile. The summit itself isn't a massive panoramic viewpoint - it's fairly compact - but the sense of being up here, away from the A95 that runs through Keith below, matters more than the Instagram moment.

This is one for walkers who want genuine Highland air without committing to a full-day expedition. Families with older kids (say eight and up) who enjoy scrambling could manage it, though younger ones might find the gradient tedious. The terrain is mixed - some boggy sections, loose stone near the top, so waterproof boots matter.

If you're staying at Hillside Havens just six miles away, this makes an excellent morning or late afternoon out. It's free, no facilities at the summit, and you'll want to start early if the weather's promising. Late May through September is your window. Winter ascents are possible but require mountain experience.