Myrey Hill

The walk up Myrey Hill from Banchory is straightforward enough, but don't expect dramatic views from the top. It's a modest hill - more a solid local walk than a bucket-list peak. From the summit you get sight lines across Aberdeenshire's rolling countryside, which is pleasant rather than spectacular. On a clear day the Cairngorms sit on the horizon, though they're distant enough that binoculars help.

The real charm here is accessibility. It's the kind of walk you can fit into a half-day without faffing about with serious preparation. Most walkers allow two to three hours return, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. There's no admission fee - you just park near Banchory and head up. The paths are generally well-maintained, though after rain they can get boggy in patches.

Families with older kids will get on fine with it. Younger ones might struggle with the distance unless you're stopping every five minutes. It's worth doing if you're based at Silverbank or Banchory Lodge - both excellent caravan parks for the area - and it breaks up a holiday nicely between exploring Royal Deeside and other Aberdeenshire attractions. Come on a weekday if you can; weekends pull a decent crowd from the nearby towns.

The walk itself matters more than the destination. If you're after dramatic Highland scenery, look elsewhere. If you want a straightforward half-day outing with decent views and no hassle, Myrey Hill delivers.