Mundernal

The walk up Mundernal is a proper hill, and it commands respect. This Aberdeenshire peak sits about 4 miles from Drumoak, and the climb takes you through some genuinely fine Highland terrain - moorland, sparse trees, big skies. The views from the summit sweep across the Dee valley, and on a clear day you can pick out distant peaks layering away into the distance. It's not a technical scramble or anything, just a solid uphill trudge that'll take most walkers a couple of hours round trip.

For hill walkers staying at Silverbank Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Banchory Lodge - both only a short drive away - this is exactly the sort of midweek objective that justifies a Scottish holiday. You're not burning yourself out on something massive, but you're not bored either. Families with teenagers will find it manageable if they're used to walking, though younger kids might grumble halfway up. The moorland setting means it can be windy and exposed, so pick a decent weather window.

There's nothing much at the top itself - no trig point, no shelter, no cafe - so bring waterproofs and snacks. The real draw is the walk itself and what you see from up there. Worth combining with a stroll around Drumoak itself or a nearby loch visit. Free, obviously. Allow three hours if you're not moving fast, longer if you're a photographer.