Macritch Hill

The walk up Macritch Hill from Blairgowrie isn't long, but it's steep enough to warm you up properly. The path climbs through open moorland and scrubby woodland - nothing dramatic, but honest Scottish Highlands scenery. Once you're at the top, you get views across Perthshire that justify the short huff and puff. On a clear day you can pick out Lochs and distant peaks. It's the kind of spot where you feel like you've earned a sandwich and a rest without having committed your entire morning.

This works best for walkers who want something quick and achievable - families with older kids can manage it, though younger ones might find the gradient a bit relentless. You're looking at maybe 90 minutes there and back depending on fitness. There's no visitor infrastructure up here, so bring water and dress properly. The ground can be boggy in places, especially after rain.

If you're staying at Nethercraig Holiday Park nearby, it's well worth fitting this in as a morning outing. The peak isn't fashionable enough to get crowded, and that's partly its charm. You won't queue or wait for anything - just a quiet Aberdeenshire hillside and genuine views. Not the most dramatic hill in Scotland, but solid value for a couple of hours' effort.