Ginshot Hill

The walk up Ginshot Hill doesn't take long, but the effort pays off properly. From Arbroath, you're looking at a decent trek inland to reach this modest Highland peak, and yes, there's genuine scrambling involved on the final push - not a stroll, then.

Once you're up there, the views across Aberdeenshire open right out. On a clear day you can see across the Mearns toward the coast; on a damp one, you're basically in the clouds wondering why you bothered. The hill itself isn't dramatic - no sharp summit, no dramatic drop - but it's the kind of place where you genuinely feel like you've earned your view rather than just wandered up a manicured path.

This works best for walkers who aren't after a gentle amble. Families with younger kids will find it frustrating more than fun, though teenagers who can handle a proper scramble will be fine. History buffs won't find much - no ruins, no plaques - just landscape.

Allow two to three hours from Arbroath. Go when the weather's settled; it's exposed up there and turns grim fast in rain. Free to access, obviously, being a hill.

If you're basing yourself at The Grange Glamping nearby, this works as a solid half-day activity to break up a holiday spent mainly on the animal side of things. It's proper walking country up here, so pair it with other Highland rambles rather than treating it as a standalone trip.