Little Oxen Craig

The walk up Little Oxen Craig takes you straight into proper hill country - nothing fancy, just a decent scramble from Auchleven that rewards you with views across Aberdeenshire that stretch for miles. On a clear day you're looking out toward the Grampians, and on the way up you'll pass through some lovely open moorland where red grouse scatter if you're not careful.

It's not a long haul - most people will crack it in under two hours return - but it's steep enough that you'll feel like you've actually done something. The summit itself is nothing more than a rocky outcrop, but that's rather the point. You're not here for facilities or interpretation boards. You're here because you want a bit of a challenge without needing ropes or technical gear.

Walkers will get the most from this. Families with older kids will manage fine, though you'll want decent boots and it's not the place for a casual stroll. Spring and autumn are your sweet spot - summer can be a bit boggy in places, and winter brings its own complications if you're not experienced on Scottish hills.

If you're staying at Glamping Bothie just down the road, this makes an ideal morning out before settling in for evening drinks. It's the sort of hill that doesn't need a fancy name or visitor centre to justify the trip. Just good Highland walking, honestly done.