Hill of Millmedden

The climb up Millmedden delivers one of those views that makes the effort worthwhile, even on a grey Aberdeenshire afternoon. From the summit you're looking out across rolling farmland and distant Cairngorms - proper Highland scenery without needing to venture all the way west. The walk itself is straightforward enough, though the final push gets a bit steep for the last hundred metres or so.

Clatt sits at the base, a modest settlement that won't detain you long, but the hill is the real draw. On a clear day walkers and hillwalkers get genuine views that stretch for miles. It's not a massive undertaking - most people will manage the round trip in under two hours at a steady pace - which makes it ideal for families with older kids who fancy something more ambitious than a flat park stroll.

There's no cafe or facilities at the top, so bring water and something to eat. Access appears to be free, though you'll need a decent pair of boots, especially if the ground's wet. Winter scrambles can get dodgy. The best months are May through September when visibility is more reliable and the ground dries out.

If you're staying at Haughton Holiday Park just down the road, Millmedden makes a proper morning or afternoon outing without the faff of driving elsewhere. It slots nicely into a Deeside holiday - close enough for a half-day trip, far enough removed from the main tourist circuit that you won't be queuing.