Murmannoch

The walk up Murmannoch rewards you with proper Highland views once you've earned them. It's not a massive peak - 2,638 feet - but the approach from Banchory side grinds on longer than you'd expect from the contours. The actual summit is fairly bare moorland rather than rocky drama, but on a clear day you get sightlines across Aberdeenshire that stretch for miles.

Walkers wanting a solid half-day expedition will get the most from this one. It's not a casual stroll, and the terrain can be boggy lower down depending on recent weather. Allow three to four hours for a round trip if you're moderately fit. Take the path from Glen Dye - it's the most straightforward approach, though you'll need to sort your own transport or a decent hike from Banchory itself.

Geologically it's unremarkable compared to some Scottish peaks, but that's partly the point. You won't find crowds here. The moorland landscape has a spare, honest quality to it that some people find more rewarding than the postcard hills further west.

If you're staying at Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages nearby - and it's a proper spot for a Highland base - Murmannoch fits neatly into a few days of local walking. The area around Banchory has enough smaller hills and riverside walks to keep you occupied without needing the famous Cairngorms traffic. Winter ascents are possible but require genuine hill sense and decent conditions.