Rhindbuckie

The walk up Rhindbuckie rewards you with proper Highland views across Aberdeenshire without the brutal slog of bigger peaks. It's a straightforward hill walk - nothing technical, nothing that demands scrambling gear - which makes it spot on for families who want their kids to actually reach the top without complaints halfway up.

From Banchory, you're looking at less than two hours to the summit on a clear day. The approach is steady rather than steep, and the views back towards Royal Deeside are genuinely worth the effort. On a decent day you can pick out the landscape rolling southwards, and there's something satisfying about standing on a proper mountain that's gone largely unsung by the guidebook crowd.

Timing-wise, a half-day outing makes sense here. Set off early morning, bag the summit, and you're back for lunch. It works brilliantly as part of a broader park holiday - park yourself at one of the caravan spots near Banchory (Banchory Lodge is handy, or Silverbank if you fancy something slightly closer) and string together a few local walks. Glen Dye Cabins, five miles out, gives you a good base for exploring further into the Dee Valley.

Not a dramatic peak, and you won't find crowds or facilities at the top, but that's precisely the point. It's the kind of walk that reminds you why the Highlands are worth the drive north - accessible, rewarding, and genuinely quiet. Go on a weekday if you can.