Ord Bàn

The walk up Ord Bàn from Aviemore is one of those Scottish hill routes that sneaks up on you. It's not particularly high - around 650 metres - but the approach is steep enough to keep things interesting, and the views across the Cairngorms plateau are genuinely impressive once you're up there.

From the summit, you get proper expansive vistas towards the higher peaks, with Loch Morlich visible below if visibility's decent. The walk itself takes a couple of hours return depending on fitness, and it's well within reach for anyone reasonably active - families with older kids would manage it fine, though younger ones might find the climb a slog.

Start early if you can. Weather changes fast up here, and afternoon cloud can roll in and spoil the view entirely. The path is clear enough, though boggy stretches are inevitable in the Highlands. Proper boots recommended, not trainers.

What makes Ord Bàn worthwhile is that it's less crowded than the main Cairngorm peaks, so you actually get some peace and quiet. It's the sort of walk that leaves you feeling like you've earned the view without needing to be a serious mountaineer. Free to access, naturally - it's Scotland.

If you're based at Dalraddy Holiday Park nearby, this is an excellent morning or afternoon activity to break up the park holiday. Aviemore itself has all the facilities you'll need before or after.