Ordiga

The walk up Ordiga rewards you with proper views across Aberdeenshire if you're willing to put in the leg work. It's not a massive undertaking - more of a solid afternoon jaunt than a full day expedition - but you will feel it in your thighs on the way down.

This is a peak that appeals to walkers who want a genuine climb without needing crampons and a support team. The approach from near Buckie gives you moorland and a real sense of making progress, and the summit offers that satisfying 360-degree payoff. Bring a decent map and check the weather beforehand - highland conditions change fast, and exposure on the upper sections means you'll want visibility.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Greencraig Pods is particularly well-rated and sits only a few miles out - Ordiga makes an excellent half-day activity. Greencraig and Hillhead Hideaways both have strong reviews, so you've got quality options for base camp. It's the sort of walk that fits perfectly into a broader Aberdeenshire holiday where you're mixing coastal stops around Buckie with inland exploring.

Free to access, and you can do it in three to four hours depending on pace. Go early in the day if you can - the light on the highlands in the morning is worth timing for, and you'll miss the midday crowds if this area gets them.