Sundayswells Hill

The walk up Sundayswells Hill rewards you with proper views across Aberdeenshire's rolling countryside, and it's far enough off the beaten track that you won't be queuing with half of Scotland to get them. Starting from near Tullochvenus, the path climbs steadily but not brutally - most reasonably fit people will manage it in under two hours return, though you'll want longer if you're stopping to admire the scenery or let kids scramble about on the lower slopes.

What you get at the top is a genuine sense of standing somewhere that matters. The panoramas sweep across the Highlands with proper distance and depth - the kind of view that justifies the leg work. On a clear day it's cracking. On a murky one, well, at least the walk itself is pleasant enough.

This isn't a tourist trap with visitor centres or gift shops. It's a straightforward hill walk for people who enjoy the outdoors without needing hand-holding. Families with older children will cope fine; younger ones might find the climb tedious. It suits walkers and hill-baggers far more than casual strollers.

If you're basing yourself at Greenpark Leisure or Aboyne Loch Caravan Park - both proper five-star spots - this is a worthwhile half-day excursion that doesn't require venturing too far afield. Combine it with a wander round Tullochvenus afterwards if you fancy something quieter than the busier Deeside attractions.