Longhaven Cliffs (Scottish Wildlife Trust)

The cliffs at Longhaven rise abruptly from the North Sea, and you'll feel the wind the moment you step out of the car. It's a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve just outside Peterhead, which means the focus here is entirely on what lives here rather than tourist infrastructure. No gift shop, no cafe - just raw coastline and the birds that depend on it.

You're looking at dramatic granite cliffs where razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes nest in spring and summer. The walking is straightforward enough - stick to the marked paths and you'll get proper views of the cliff face and the stacks offshore. It's not a long outing, maybe an hour if you're taking time to watch the birds through binoculars, but the light here is exceptional, especially in early summer when you've got long evenings.

This is for people who actually care about birdwatching or want to see authentic Scottish coastal scenery without the crowds. Kids might find it bit quiet unless they're genuinely interested in spotting puffins or fulmars. Bring a camera with decent zoom if you're keen on wildlife photography.

If you're staying at Peterhead Marina Bay Holiday Park - just a few miles south - this makes a cracking morning before heading into town for lunch. Combine it with a walk around Peterhead harbour itself to make a half-day of it. Check tide times before you go; the paths can get dodgy after heavy rain.