Hill of Knockollochie

The walk up to Knockollochie takes about forty minutes if you're reasonably fit, climbing through mixed woodland before breaking out onto moorland with proper views across Aberdeenshire. It's not a massive peak - only 367 metres - but the vantage point over the Dee Valley and towards the Cairngorms justifies the effort.

The terrain shifts from forestry track to rougher ground near the summit, so proper boots matter. You'll spot cairns marking the way, and the panorama from the top sweeps across farmland and forest in all directions. On clear days you can make out Ben Rinnes to the south. It's genuinely worth doing.

Inverurie sits just down the road, which means this works brilliantly as a half-day adventure if you're based at Glamping Bothie or other local accommodation. The woodland section keeps children engaged during the climb, though younger legs will find the final push steep. Give yourself two to three hours including a rest at the top.

Go in late spring or early autumn when midges aren't at their worst and the light's decent. Winter can be boggy and slippery on the descent. The walk starts from accessible parking near the woodland entrance, and there's no entry fee - just turn up and go. This is proper Highlands walking without the complications of the bigger mountains.