Meall Alvie

The walk up Meall Alvie is one of those hill outings that sneaks up on you. It's not particularly tall or famous, which means the paths are quieter than nearby Lochnagar, and from the summit you get proper views across Deeside without the crowds. Starting from around Ballater, it's a straightforward climb through heather and moorland - nothing technical, but it does demand decent legs and an hour or two of your time.

You're looking at roughly a 2,500-foot climb with views that open up gradually as you gain height. On a clear day - and they do happen in Aberdeenshire, despite what folk say - you'll see across the Dee Valley and into the Cairngorms beyond. The peak itself is a good spot to stop, eat a sandwich, and think about whether you've dressed warmly enough.

It suits walkers who want a proper hill without the technical bits, and families with older kids who can handle a few hours on their feet. Don't expect dramatic scenery or sudden surprises; this is working Scottish hill country, honest and a bit windswept. Free to access, as with most Scottish hills - just park sensibly and check the weather before heading out.

If you're based at Braemar Caravan Park, it's practically on your doorstep and makes a decent morning's outing before lunch. Worth doing, though not the sort of walk that sticks with you for years afterward.