Gallow Hill

The walk up Gallow Hill rewards you with views across the Aberdeenshire uplands that stretch for miles on a clear day. It's a straightforward ascent from Tullochvenus, nothing too dramatic in terms of height or difficulty, but the kind of hill that gives you proper perspective on the landscape around you.

The summit itself is modest - you're not climbing into the clouds here. What makes it worth the effort is the panorama. On the way up you'll pass through open moorland and scrub, and the hill's position means you get views both north and south across the Highlands. It takes most people around an hour to reach the top and back down, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

This is walker territory, honestly. Families with young kids might find it a bit of a trudge, but older children who enjoy a decent stride will get something from it. History buffs should note the grim origins of the name - it's a sobering reminder of past justice systems - but there's nothing to see up there specifically related to that. It's just the name.

Free to visit, and no particular restrictions on when you can go, though winter can be muddy underfoot. If you're based at one of the nearby parks like Aboyne Loch Caravan Park or Greenhillock Glamping just down the road, it makes a solid half-day activity. Combine it with exploring Tullochvenus village or pushing on to other Aberdeenshire walks for a fuller day out.