Hill of Fare

The walk up Hill of Fare takes you properly into the Aberdeenshire landscape, a straightforward climb that rewards you with views across the Deeside valley. From Banchory, it's barely twenty minutes' drive to the start, making it a solid half-day excursion rather than a full day's commitment. The summit sits at 1,568 feet, which means the huff uphill is real but not punishing - most people manage it in around ninety minutes. On a clear day the outlook stretches across moorland and forest to the distant Grampians, though frankly the weather here is moody and you'll want to time it right.

It's fundamentally a walkers' hill. Families with younger legs might find the gradient tiresome, but teenagers will get through it fine. There's something satisfying about climbing a proper peak after a park-based holiday - breaks the routine of caravan sites well. Silverbank and Banchory Lodge are both well-rated bases within striking distance, so you can plan a morning walk without stress about logistics.

Go midweek if you can. Weekends draw enough people that the path becomes obvious and the peace gets diluted. The ground can be boggy lower down, so waterproof boots matter more than you'd think. There's no visitor facility at the top - just the hill itself and the silence. Admission is free, naturally. Allow three hours return including a breather at the summit. It's not dramatic or showy, but it's proper Highland terrain and worth the effort if you've got the legs and the weather.