Knock of Allachie

The walk up Knock of Allachie near Keith is properly rewarding - a modest hill that punches above its weight. You're climbing just over 300 metres, so it's not a lung-buster, but the views across Aberdeenshire once you reach the top make it worth the effort. The path isn't signed particularly well, and that's part of its charm - you won't find yourself queuing with crowds on a Saturday afternoon.

It's the sort of walk that suits families with older kids or anyone after a solid hour in the fresh air without needing scrambling boots or technical bits. The terrain is rough in places, muddy after rain, so decent footwear matters. Allow a good 90 minutes return, including time to stand at the summit and actually take it in rather than just tick it off.

Geographically, Knock of Allachie sits well within reach of Hillside Havens holiday park just a couple of miles away - if you're basing yourself there, this is an ideal morning's work before lunch. Keith itself is a working town, not a prettied-up tourist spot, which means you'll get local atmosphere without the price markup.

The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn when the ground dries out. Winter brings mud and grey skies that don't showcase the landscape. It's free to access, no facilities at the top, so bring water. Not revolutionary, but thoroughly solid.