Pressendye

The walk up Pressendye is a proper straightforward hill that doesn't outstay its welcome. From Aboyne, you're looking at a decent half-day outing - nothing too brutal, but it demands respect if the weather turns. The summit isn't dramatic or particularly high by Highland standards, but the views across Deeside are genuinely worth the effort. On a clear day you can see for miles, which makes the walk feel far more rewarding than the actual climb suggests.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might struggle with the pace - it's not a gentle stroll, but it's not a slog either. What you don't get is crowds. This isn't Ben Nevis, and that's precisely the appeal. You'll likely have the hill largely to yourself, which changes everything about the experience.

If you're based at Tarland Camping & Caravanning Club Site, just three miles away, this makes a logical addition to a weekend in the area. Park your car and go - there's nothing complicated about access. Bring decent boots because the ground can be boggy in places, and the Scottish weather can shift inside twenty minutes. The real joy here is that it feels properly wild and remote without requiring mountaineering skills. It's the kind of hill that leaves you feeling you've actually done something, without the pretence.