Hunt Hill

You won't find crowds on Hunt Hill, which is precisely why it's worth the bother. This peak rises above Ballater in proper Aberdeenshire countryside, offering the kind of walk that feels remote even though you're only minutes from the town's shops and cafes.

The ascent isn't brutal - maybe 45 minutes to an hour depending on your fitness - but it's steep enough to earn the views. On a clear day, the Dee Valley spreads out below in shades of green and gold, with the Cairngorms filling the horizon. The path itself is decent underfoot, though it gets boggy after rain so choose your footwear accordingly.

This is a walk for people who actually enjoy walking, rather than those chasing an Instagram moment. Families with older kids (teenagers really) will manage it fine. Younger children might find it a slog. Walkers heading to Ballater Caravan Park will slot this in nicely as a half-morning outing before settling in for lunch.

There's no visitor centre or facilities on the hill itself - bring water and maybe a snack. The beauty of it is the simplicity. Free to access, no time limits, just you and the landscape. Go early if you can. The light is better, and you'll have the summit more or less to yourself. Worth the walk from Ballater, genuinely.