Hill of Tillylair

The walk up Hill of Tillylair is a proper little Highland scramble just outside Banchory, offering decent views across Aberdeenshire without demanding a full day's commitment. The summit isn't dramatic - you're looking at moorland and rolling hills rather than dramatic peaks - but that's rather the point. It's accessible enough for families who don't fancy anything too serious, though the final stretch gets a bit steep and boggy depending on what the weather's done.

From the top you get a real sense of the lay of the land around here: you can see across towards the Dee Valley and the surrounding countryside stretches out nicely. The walk itself takes roughly an hour up and back, maybe longer if you're moving slowly or stopping for photos. It's not marked particularly well, so bringing a map or checking beforehand is sensible.

History types won't find much to grab onto - no ruins or ancient remains - but walkers after a quick hill tick will rate it. Kids might find it a bit of a slog if they're young, but teenagers capable of a genuine walk will manage fine.

If you're based at Feughside Caravan Park just down the road, it's an easy morning outing. Banchory Lodge is only a few miles away too, making either park a solid base for exploring the area. Weather in the Scottish Highlands changes fast, so pick a clear day and you'll have a decent walk. Pick a misty one and you're basically climbing into cloud.