Hill of Candacraig

The climb up Candacraig is properly steep, but the payoff from the summit makes it worth every breathless minute. You're looking at around 500 metres of elevation gain from Ballater, which takes most people an hour and a half at a decent pace. The views across Royal Deeside are genuinely excellent - on a clear day you can see for miles across the Aberdeenshire hills, and the Dee valley stretches out below like something from a postcard.

It's the kind of walk that suits families with older kids or anyone who fancies a proper leg-stretcher without needing technical gear. The path is clear enough, though muddy patches are common, especially after rain. There's no visitor facilities at the top, so bring water and a packed lunch if you're stopping.

The real charm here is that it's less crowded than the big-name peaks around Ballater. You'll find mostly locals and serious walkers rather than tour groups. Allow a full afternoon if you're starting from Ballater town centre - three hours round trip is realistic, plus time for soaking in the views.

If you're based at Howe of Torbeg or Ballater Caravan Park, Candacraig makes an excellent half-day expedition. It pairs well with a morning exploring Ballater's shops and cafes, or as a warm-up for tackling Lochnagar if you're spending several days in the area. Free to access, as with most Scottish hills - just respect the land and stick to the path.