Geal Chàrn

The walk up Geal Chàrn from Strathdon is straightforward enough, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a doddle. This 884-metre peak in the Cairngorms sits in proper hill country, and once you're on the ridge, the views across Aberdeenshire unfold in all directions. On a clear day you can pick out other summits marching along the horizon. The ascent takes a couple of hours depending on fitness, and the terrain is rough moorland - boggy in places, firmer underfoot higher up.

It's ideal for walkers who want something achievable without needing technical gear or a rope. Families with capable kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the exposed sections dull. The real pull here is the sense of remoteness - you're not fighting crowds at the summit, and that makes it worthwhile. Strathdon itself is quiet, which suits this kind of outing.

The peak sits nicely within a Cairngorms holiday if you're based at one of the local camps. Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite, just four miles away, gives you a comfortable base for tackling this and other local walks. Geal Chàrn works best in decent weather - mist transforms it from rewarding into tedious. Allow half a day including travel from town, and go early to catch the light on the higher slopes. It's free to visit, naturally, being a Scottish mountain.