Rock Ernan

The walk up Rock Ernan is properly steep. Near Strathdon in Aberdeenshire, this modest peak rewards you with views across the Highlands that feel properly earned once you've scrambled up the final rocky sections. It's not a long outing - most walkers manage the ascent and descent in a couple of hours - but the gradient means you'll feel it in your legs.

What makes it worth the effort is the sense of achievement and the sudden perspective shift once you crest the ridge. The rocky outcrops at the summit give proper character to what might otherwise be just another moorland hill. On a clear day, the views stretch far enough to make you forget the initial grind.

This is walker territory. It suits anyone with basic fitness who doesn't mind a bit of a slog and won't mind getting slightly muddy. Kids aged ten and up would likely enjoy it, though younger ones might flag on the steeper sections. It's free to visit - just park sensibly near Strathdon and head out.

Timing matters here. Early morning keeps you ahead of other walkers, and the light in late afternoon can be genuinely beautiful. Winter visits are possible but the exposed sections can be treacherous when icy.

If you're staying at Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite just five miles away, this makes a straightforward morning or afternoon activity without needing to venture too far from your pitch. It's the kind of walk that fills a few hours rather than dominating your day - useful for park breaks when you want to get out but not vanish completely.