Red Craig

You won't find much fuss around Red Craig, which is precisely why it's worth the visit. This modest peak sits on the edge of the Cairngorms near Aboyne, and the walk up is straightforward enough for most fitness levels without being boring. The real appeal is the view across Deeside - on a clear day you can see properly far, and on a misty day it's atmospheric in a way the guidebooks never capture.

The summit itself is rocky and exposed, so wind can be a factor even when conditions seem calm lower down. Allow two to three hours for the round trip from the carpark, depending on your pace. It's the kind of walk that doesn't require specialist gear or years of fell-walking experience, but it does demand reasonable boots and respect for Scottish weather. Weather changes fast up here, so check conditions before you head out.

Families with older children manage it fine. Younger kids might find it a bit steep for what amounts to a relatively short outing, though there's a sense of real achievement once they reach the top. History enthusiasts won't find much to linger over - this is pure landscape rather than cultural interest.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Cairngorms Glamping, Ballater Caravan Park, or Firbank Park - Red Craig makes an excellent morning walk before lunch back at base. It works as part of a wider Deeside exploration rather than a destination in itself, but that's not a criticism. Sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.