Keptie Hill

The walk up Keptie Hill is proper rewarding for such modest height - you're looking at around 250 metres, but the views across to Arbroath and beyond make it feel bigger than the numbers suggest. The route takes you through moorland that's genuinely wild feeling, even though civilization isn't far away. On a clear day you can see right down the coast towards the Sidlaws. Took me about 45 minutes to the top from the car park, though you could dawdle longer.

This isn't a dramatic peak - there's no scrambling or technical bits. Walkers will appreciate the straightforward nature of it, and kids old enough to manage a decent hike won't find it tedious. The terrain is a bit boggy in places (bring proper boots), but nothing that'll stop you. Once you're up there, the wind can be fairly fierce, so don't underestimate how exposed it feels.

Frequent visitors to Aberdeenshire would know this better than casual tourists. It's the sort of walk you'd do as part of a broader day rather than make a special journey for, unless you're collecting Munro-adjacent peaks. If you're staying at The Grange Glamping just down the road, it makes an excellent morning sortie before breakfast. The real appeal is that it's uncrowded and gives genuine Highland feel without needing to drive hours into the depths.