Rough Bank

Rough Bank isn't much to look at from the car park - just a modest hill rising above the Aberdeenshire moorland near Banchory. But get yourself up there and the view opens out properly. On a clear day you're looking across the Cairngorms with decent visibility towards Lochnagar. It's a straightforward walk, nothing technical, which makes it popular with families and anyone wanting a half-decent viewpoint without the full mountaineering commitment.

The ascent takes around 45 minutes depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The path's rough in places - hence the name, I suppose - but manageable in decent boots. You'll pass through heather and rough grass, plenty of stones underfoot. The summit gives you genuine 360-degree views across the Highlands. Worth coming here in late summer when the heather's flowering; the moorland turns purple and the whole thing feels a bit special.

If you're staying at Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages nearby, this is an easy afternoon option. You're only 4.5 miles away, so it works well as part of a broader day exploring the glen. Rough Bank itself won't take the whole day - most people are up and down in two and a half hours - but it's proper walking country around here with plenty more to explore. Free to access, no facilities at the summit, so bring water. Go early if you can; parking gets tight in peak season.