Millstone Hill

The walk up Millstone Hill rewards you with proper Highland views the moment you crest the ridge above Pitfichie. It's not a technical climb - more of a steady pull through moorland that opens out once you've gained height. The peak itself is modest in stature but the sightlines are excellent, stretching across Aberdeenshire's rolling terrain with the distant mountains forming a decent backdrop.

You're looking at a couple of hours return depending on fitness, though it's the sort of walk you could stretch with a picnic at the top. The ground underfoot varies between grass and heather, so boots are sensible if it's been wet. Come in clearer weather - mist rolls in quickly up here and there's not much to see when it does.

This suits walkers more than families with young children, honestly. It's not arduous enough to challenge keen hikers, but the exposure on steeper sections might wind shorter legs. The real appeal is the quietness of it - you won't find crowds here like you would on busier Cairngorms routes.

If you're staying at Haughton Holiday Park down in the valley, Millstone Hill makes an excellent morning outing before exploring the wider glens. The park itself offers decent facilities and sits close enough to make this a natural pairing without needing to drive far. Allow a full morning and you've got a satisfying day.