Hill of Johnston

The Hill of Johnston rises abruptly from the Aberdeenshire landscape near Duncanstone, offering one of those unexpectedly rewarding climbs that makes you wonder why more people don't bother with it. It's not a mountain - don't expect switchbacks or Alpine drama - but the walk up gives proper views across rolling farmland and distant hills that justify the effort.

The summit itself is relatively modest, bare moorland mostly, but that's rather the point. This is about earning your perspective rather than queuing at a honeypot. The walk takes a couple of hours return, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. It's manageable for families with older children, though younger ones might find the exposed sections tedious.

There's no visitor facility or café (bring a flask), and access is straightforward - just park sensibly at the trailhead and head up. Free, obviously, as most Scottish peaks are. Best tackled in decent weather; moorland in mist loses half its appeal, and the paths can get boggy after rain.

If you're based at Haughton Holiday Park, only four miles away, this makes a solid half-day outing alongside exploring the quieter corners of Aberdeenshire. It's the sort of place walkers and landscape photographers actually enjoy, while casual visitors might find themselves wondering if they should have stayed at the park instead. Honest answer: go if you like hills and views. Skip it if you need facilities and drama.