Hill of Mayen

The walk up Hill of Mayen rewards you with proper views across Aberdeenshire once you've done the legwork. It's not a massive undertaking - more of a solid afternoon's graft than an all-day expedition - but the climb is steep enough to feel like you've earned the vista at the top.

From Huntly, you're looking at a straightforward approach that takes somewhere between 90 minutes and two hours depending on your pace and fitness. The peak itself isn't dramatic - this isn't Cairngorms territory - but on a clear day you get a genuine sense of the landscape rolling away in all directions. The moorland setting is quietly satisfying rather than showy.

Walkers will get the most from this one. Families with older kids could manage it, though younger ones might find the constant gradient a bit relentless. It's the sort of place where your legs do the talking rather than your camera getting the best shots.

Timing-wise, an early start makes sense if you're doing this alongside staying at nearby Huntly Castle Holiday Park. The weather in the Highlands turns quickly, so don't leave it too late in the afternoon. There's no admission fee or facilities at the top - it's just you, the wind, and the moorland.

Worth the trip? If you're based in the area for a week and enjoy a decent walk with actual physical reward, absolutely. If you're passing through for a day, there are flashier peaks that might grab your attention first.