Garnet Hill

The walk up Garnet Hill rewards you with proper Highland views once you're up there, though the approach through Aberdeenshire's rolling terrain is the real draw. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing that'll make you gasp - but on a clear day you get sight lines across the valley toward Tullochvenus and the broader landscape that makes you understand why people bother with Scottish hills at all.

Most visitors are walkers rather than casual strollers. The terrain is steep enough to feel purposeful, and you'll want decent boots. Allow two to three hours from the car park depending on fitness and how many times you stop to take photos. The heather and rough grass underfoot can be boggy after rain, so check conditions before heading out.

For families with older kids, it's doable - teenagers will manage fine, but younger children might find it heavy going. There's a real sense of achievement when you reach the top, which counts for something.

The caravan parks nearby - Greenpark Leisure and Aboyne Loch - are both highly rated and make decent bases for tackling Garnet Hill as part of a broader Highland walking break. From either site, you're within striking distance of a dozen other walks in the area. Garnet Hill works best combined with a few other routes rather than as a solo day trip. It's worth the effort, but don't make it your only reason to visit the region.