Cuternach

The walk up Cuternach from Huntly is one of those Scottish hill climbs that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards you properly once you've made the effort. It's not a massive peak - nothing that'll take your breath away for the wrong reasons - but the views across Aberdeenshire once you're up there are genuinely worth the slog.

You're looking at a moderate hill walk rather than a scramble. The terrain is typical Scottish moorland - heather, grass, the odd boggy patch that catches you out if you're not watching your feet. Allow two to three hours return depending on your pace and how long you want to linger at the top. The climb builds gradually rather than punishing you with one vicious push, which makes it good for families with older kids who can handle a proper walk without it turning into a nightmare.

Summer's your best bet, when the ground's drier and the light lingers. Winter and spring can be properly muddy affairs. The nearest town is Huntly, just a few miles away, which means you're well-positioned if you're staying at Huntly Castle Holiday Park - the walk makes an excellent half-day excursion without eating into your whole schedule.

Honestly, it's not the sort of peak that'll end up on your Instagram feed or make the guidebook headlines, but that's partly the appeal. Quiet, accessible, and the kind of walk where you actually see other people occasionally rather than shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Good moorland views, decent exercise, proper Scottish hill walking without the fanfare.