The Cairns or Cùl nan Gad

The walk up Cùl nan Gad - that's The Cairns to most folk - starts gentle enough from near Ballater, but don't let that fool you. This isn't a Sunday stroll. You're climbing towards proper Cairngorms territory, and the views south across Royal Deeside make the huffing worth it.

The summit cairn itself is modest, really - just a stack of stones like countless others in the Highlands. What makes it worth the effort is the vantage point. On a clear day you can see Lochnagar dominating the skyline, and the whole valley opens up beneath you. The approach takes a couple of hours depending on fitness, and you'll need sturdy boots because the ground gets boggy in patches.

This is one for walkers who know what they're doing. Families with young legs might manage it, but it's not a pushover. There's no café, no facilities - bring water and something to eat. The beauty is precisely that remoteness. You won't fight crowds here like you might at more famous Deeside spots.

If you're based at Ballater Caravan Park, it's genuinely convenient - you can be on the path within ten minutes. Combine it with the easier riverside walks lower down the valley if you want something less demanding. Summer gives you the longest daylight and best odds of clear weather, but even then, check the forecast properly. This corner of Aberdeenshire demands respect.