Meall Corm

The walk up Meall Corm from Ballater is straightforward enough, though don't let that fool you into thinking it's a doddle. It's a proper hill rather than a mountain, sitting at just over 800 metres, which means the climb feels manageable without being trivial. The route takes you through moorland and woodland, and on a clear day the Cairngorms views from the summit are genuinely worth the sweat.

This is ideal territory for walkers who want something more substantial than a stroll but aren't ready to tackle the serious Cairngorm peaks. Families with older kids will get decent value from it - allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on fitness. The paths are reasonably well-maintained, though boggy sections appear after heavy rain, so waterproof boots aren't optional.

Meall Corm suits the Ballater holiday crowd particularly well. The town's got everything you need - decent restaurants, shops, a proper high street - and staying at somewhere like Ballater Caravan Park puts you within walking distance of the trailhead. You could knock this one out before lunch and still have the afternoon free for exploring Ballater's wider hiking network or sitting in a café.

Timing matters. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, and you'll want the autumn light if possible - summer midges can be relentless up there. Go early in the day so the light holds on the descent.