Oxen Craig

The walk up Oxen Craig rewards you with proper Deeside views once you're over the initial grind. It's not a mountaineer's peak - more a sturdy hill that feels bigger than its height suggests, which is fine by me. The climb's straightforward enough, though your legs will know about it on the way back down. From the top, you get the kind of vista across Aberdeenshire that makes the huffing and puffing worthwhile: rolling forested slopes giving way to distant hills. Pitfichie's near enough to base yourself there if you're exploring the wider area. The surrounding countryside is dotted with other walks, and Haughton Holiday Park sits just six miles away if you're after a proper break with the family. Allow a good three hours for the round trip unless you're particularly quick on your feet. Best tackled in decent weather - nothing worse than scrambling around in cloud and drizzle when you can't see two yards ahead. Worth doing if you're in the region anyway, especially if you've got confident walkers in tow. It's not a dramatic finish like some Scottish peaks, but it's honest work and the quiet beauty of the spot makes it a solid choice for a half-day expedition.