Hill of Selbie

The Hill of Selbie rises abruptly from the Aberdeenshire landscape near Inverurie - a proper viewpoint that rewards the short climb with sight lines stretching across the Scottish Highlands. It's not a monster of a walk, but it's steep enough to earn the view. From the top you get the Cairngorms and the Don Valley laid out below, which on a clear day is genuinely worth stopping for.

This is walker territory, plain and simple. The summit's the draw rather than any particular facilities or attractions at the base. You're looking at maybe 45 minutes up and down if you're moving steadily, less if you're quick on your feet. Families with capable kids will manage it fine; younger children might find the gradient a bit much.

Free to access, obviously. There's no visitor centre or café, so bring water and something to eat if you're making a morning of it. Go when the weather's settled - the rain comes in fast here and visibility drops to nothing. Early morning or late afternoon light is proper lovely across the valley.

It slots well into a caravan-based holiday at nearby Hillhead Caravan Park, which sits about four miles away. The park itself is well-reviewed, and Selbie makes for a straightforward add-on if you fancy a quick walk with actual views rather than just tramping through moorland. Not essential, but worth the detour if you're already in the area.