Hill of Knocknashalg

The walk up Knocknashalg isn't long, but it's proper steep in places and the ground can be boggy depending on the season. You're looking at maybe an hour to the summit if you're steady on your feet, less if you're used to Scottish hills. The views across Aberdeenshire roll out in all directions once you're up there - nothing dramatic, but wide and satisfying in that understated Highland way.

It's the kind of hill that works best for walkers who want a quick blast without committing a whole day. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might grumble at the slog. The terrain is rough in patches, so proper boots matter more than you'd think from the height.

Keith sits just down the road, which means you can string this into a broader day out in the area. If you're staying at Hillside Havens - a cracking caravan site not far away - this makes sense as a morning walk before heading into the Highlands proper. The summit itself is fairly bare, just moorland and sky, so don't expect a cairn or anything fancy.

Go when it's dry if you can. The bog sections are manageable otherwise, but you'll end up muddy. Midges can be fierce in summer evenings, so an early start works better. Free to walk, obviously. It's not a showstopper, but it's honest work and the pace suits anyone wanting their exercise without getting in too deep.