Forgie Hill

The walk up Forgie Hill rewards you with views across Speyside that stretch for miles on a clear day. It's a proper Highland viewpoint without the tourist crowds of the bigger peaks - you'll likely have the summit to yourself, which feels like a small victory after the climb.

From Keith, it's an easy enough find and the ascent itself is manageable for most walkers, though the final approach gets a bit steep. The hill sits nicely within reach of Hillhead Hideaways (just 2.7 miles away), making it an ideal morning or afternoon jaunt if you're staying in the area. Greencraig Pods is also close by at 5 miles if you're after a base with more facilities.

The real appeal here is doing it properly without the faffing about that comes with bigger, busier mountains. You get genuine Highland scenery - rolling moorland, the distant Cairngorms on good days, and that sense of space that makes you remember why you came to Scotland in the first place. Families with older kids will manage fine; those with toddlers might find the return journey a bit wearing.

Allow two to three hours for the full outing. There's no café or facilities at the top, so bring water and something to eat. Early morning visits tend to offer the clearest views before cloud rolls in. It's free to walk, of course. Best visited between May and September when the weather's more forgiving and the daylight stretches on.