Hill of Ord

The walk up Hill of Ord rewards you with proper panoramic views across Aberdeenshire - on a clear day you can see for miles. It's not particularly high or difficult, which makes it popular with families and casual walkers rather than serious hikers after a proper challenge.

You get decent views of the surrounding landscape: rolling countryside, distant hills, and on good weather days, glimpses toward the broader region. The walk itself takes an hour or so depending on your pace and where you start from near Hillhead of Carnie. It's the sort of spot where locals bring visitors to show off the landscape rather than a destination that'll eat up your whole afternoon.

Worth doing if you're staying at Deeside Holiday Park - it's only three miles away, so perfect for a morning outing before heading back for lunch. Go when there's actually cloud cover breaking up, though. The hill loses its appeal when visibility drops to fifty metres. Bring binoculars if you've got them; on decent days you might spot further afield.

It's free to access and there's no faffing about with opening times or admission fees. Families with younger kids will manage the walk without complaint. The main thing to remember is that Aberdeenshire weather changes fast, so check conditions before you head out. This isn't the sort of walk you want to do in driving rain when the view is the whole point.