Smallburn Hill

The walk up Smallburn Hill from Mintlaw is short, sharp, and absolutely worth the effort. You're looking at maybe twenty minutes of proper climbing through moorland before the views open out across Aberdeenshire. On a clear day the North Sea stretches away to the east, and you can pick out the rolling farmland that makes this corner of the Highlands feel less dramatic than you'd expect, but more interesting for it.

It's the sort of place where you'll meet other walkers who actually know the area rather than just passing through. The summit isn't crowded, the paths are straightforward, and there's something satisfying about having proper views from somewhere you can reach before lunchtime. Families with kids aged eight upwards will find it manageable - nothing technical, just a steady gradient.

If you're based at Aden Caravan & Camping nearby, this works as a morning outing before a afternoon exploring the surrounding countryside. The walk is free and accessible year-round, though winter conditions can make the moorland boggy. Allow a couple of hours including the descent and time to sit about at the top with whatever you've packed.

The real appeal here is the straightforwardness of it all. No visitor centre, no facilities at the summit, no Instagram crowds. Just decent highland views and a genuinely local feel.