Hill of Skilmonae

The walk up Skilmonae is a proper workout, but the payoff from the top makes it well worth the effort. You're looking at a craggy little peak that doesn't announce itself loudly on the map, but once you're up there above Ellon, the views across Aberdeenshire flatten out in every direction. It's the sort of climb that takes about an hour from the base depending on fitness, and your legs will know about it on the way back down.

This one's best for walkers who like a bit of grit to their outing. Families with teenagers will manage fine; younger kids might find it tedious unless they're the outdoorsy sort. The terrain's rough in places, so proper boots matter. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which is actually part of the appeal if you want to escape the marked-out leisure route crowd.

Timing-wise, go earlier in the day and in decent weather. The Aberdeenshire hills can turn grey and windswept without warning, and there's nothing stopping you on this one. Free to access, obviously, being moorland. If you're based at Ythan Valley Campsite just down the road, this makes a cracking morning or afternoon mission without needing to travel far. Pair it with a walk round the lower ground and you've got a proper day sorted. The real appeal is simplicity - no queues, no admission fees, just you and a decent hill.