Leachie Hill

The walk up Leachie Hill rewards you with proper Highland views without requiring a full day's commitment. At around 2,000 feet, it's the sort of peak that feels properly mountainous without needing scrambling gear or serious fitness levels - which explains why it's popular with families heading to the Banchory area.

The path is straightforward enough, though it can be boggy after rain, so waterproof boots aren't a luxury. On a clear day the vista across Aberdeenshire stretches for miles, with the Cairngorms forming a satisfying backdrop. It's not dramatically wild terrain, but there's something solid about Scottish hill-walking without the Alpine drama.

Allow around two to three hours for a steady round trip, depending on fitness. You'll want to start early in winter months given how quickly light fades. The summit isn't fussy - no cairn to hunt for, just space to stand and look about properly.

It slots well into a park holiday based at Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages, just five miles away. That location puts you within easy reach of other Deeside walks, so you could do Leachie Hill as a half-day outing and spend the afternoon exploring the lower valleys. Most people find it worth the detour, though it's not the sort of peak that'll dominate your trip if the weather closes in. Go when visibility is decent, or frankly, go somewhere else.