Hill of Hobseat

The walk up Hill of Hobseat isn't long, but it's proper steep in places. From Banchory you're looking at getting yourself out to the hill itself - not a massive trek, but you'll want sturdy boots and an hour or so to do it justice. The summit gives you proper Highland views across Aberdeenshire, all rolling moorland and distant peaks. It's the kind of spot where you actually feel like you've earned the view rather than just driven to a car park and wandered fifty metres.

Walkers will find this worth the effort. It's not a family ramble - the gradient catches people out - but fit kids who've done a bit of hill work before will manage fine. On a clear day the visibility is excellent. On a misty day, honestly, you're just climbing through cloud and hoping your navigation is decent.

If you're camped at Silverbank or Banchory Lodge - both cracking spots about six miles away - this makes for a proper morning out without eating your whole day. You can be back for lunch. The path itself is rough in places, muddy after rain, and there's no facilities up there, so bring water. Free to walk, obviously. Best tackled from late spring through early autumn when the ground's drier. Winter and you're looking at icy patches and dodgy visibility.

Not a destination in itself, but absolutely the right kind of addition to a park holiday when the weather's on your side.