Hill of Brae

The walk up Hill of Brae takes about twenty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the payoff is proper views across Aberdeenshire's rolling countryside. It's not a slog - the gradient's manageable, the path clear, and on a decent day you can see for miles across the Moray Firth direction. The summit itself is unremarkable in terms of facilities (there's nothing up there, bring water), but that's rather the point.

This is the sort of walk that suits families with older kids or anyone after a straightforward hour out of doors without needing specialist kit. You won't find crowds, which is refreshing. The nearest town of Keith is only a short drive away, making it ideal for a morning outing before heading elsewhere.

If you're staying at Hillhead Hideaways just 1.2 miles away, this becomes a proper no-brainer - pop out for the walk while the weather holds, back for lunch. Greencraig Pods is a bit further afield at 5.5 miles, but still well within striking distance if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days. Hill of Brae works best as part of a broader Aberdeenshire ramble rather than a destination in itself, but that's not a criticism. It's the sort of local spot that makes a countryside holiday actually feel like one, rather than ticking boxes.

Go early to avoid the midges if it's damp.