Càrn na Criche

The walk up Càrn na Criche rewards you with one of those views that makes the Scottish Highlands feel properly wild. It's a modest peak by Aberdeenshire standards - nothing that'll leave you gasping for air - but the outlook across the Dee Valley and towards Braemar is genuinely excellent.

You're looking at roughly two hours from Ballater if you keep a steady pace, maybe three if you're taking photographs and stopping to catch your breath. The terrain varies between moorland and rough grassland, so decent boots matter more than technical skill. On clear days the visibility stretches for miles. Cloud cover, which is common enough in these parts, can make the whole thing feel rather dull and featureless.

This suits walkers who want something achievable without the full commitment of a bigger Cairngorms expedition. Families with older kids will manage fine. Young children or anyone after a gentle stroll would do better elsewhere. There's no cafe or visitor infrastructure once you park up, so bring water and something to eat.

If you're staying at Braemar Caravan Park, it's practically on your doorstep - just three miles away. The walk fits naturally into a broader holiday exploring the valley's hills and glens. It's not a destination you'd travel three hours to climb, but as part of a week based around Ballater and the lower Dee Valley, it's well worth the walk. The ground can be boggy after rain, so time it for drier weather if you can.