Lamawhillis

The walk up Lamawhillis rewards you with one of those rare Aberdeenshire views that justifies the climb. It's a proper hill rather than a mountain, the sort that takes the best part of an afternoon if you're not rushing, and the path is straightforward enough without being boring.

You're looking across the Dee valley from up here, with the Cairngorms forming a solid wall to the west. On a clear day it's genuinely impressive. The climb itself is steep in places - nothing technical, but your legs will know about it - and the ground can be boggy if there's been rain, so good boots matter more than experience.

Historically minded types will appreciate the sense of landscape here. This corner of Aberdeenshire has been walked for centuries, and Aboyne itself sits just a few miles south with proper facilities if you need a coffee afterwards. The Aboyne Loch Caravan Park and Firbank Park are both within easy striking distance if you're basing yourself for a longer stay, giving you access to this and other Highland walks without the fuss of moving sites constantly.

It's not a quick tick-box visit - allow a good three to four hours for the full outing, depending on fitness. Kids can manage it if they're used to hills, though younger ones might find the descent tedious. Early morning or late afternoon works best to avoid the midges. Free to walk, no facilities on the hill itself, so take water. Worth doing if you're in the area and want a genuine Highland experience without heading further west.