Greenhill

The walk up Greenhill rewards you with a proper Highland vantage point above Keith. It's not a massive undertaking - most people tackle it in under two hours return - but the gradient keeps your legs honest, particularly in the final stretch. From the summit, you get sweeping views across Aberdeenshire's rolling farmland and forest, with decent sightlines towards the Cairngorms on a clear day.

Walkers will find this one genuinely worthwhile. The path is well-trodden and obvious; no scrambling or technical bits required, though it can be boggy after rain. Families with older kids (say, eight upwards) manage it without drama, though younger ones might find the climb a slog. The views don't justify a special trip if you're based miles away, but if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Hillside Havens or Cairnty Lodges are both excellent - it's an ideal half-day outing.

Go in autumn when the light is warmer and the midges have packed in. Spring's decent too. Summer can be plagued with biting insects, which takes the shine off lingering at the top. There's no café or facilities on the hill itself, so bring water and a packed lunch if you plan to stay a while. The climb's straightforward enough that you won't need a map, but a smartphone app never hurts.

Free to walk, naturally. Time it right and you'll have the summit largely to yourself.