The Watchers

The Watchers is a proper hilltop viewpoint that sits about six miles from Strathdon in the heart of Aberdeenshire. On a clear day - and this matters because Scottish Highland weather has a sense of humour - you get sweeping views across the valley that genuinely take your breath away. The rocky outcrops up there feel like something has been watching over the landscape for centuries, which is presumably where the name comes from.

Walkers absolutely get the most out of this one. It's not a casual ten-minute stroll; you'll want proper boots and a decent hour or so to make the climb and actually sit with the views. The reward is serious though - moorland stretching out in every direction, and on those rare cloudless moments, visibility that makes you feel like you can see half of Scotland.

It's free to visit, as most Scottish hills are, and there's no formal opening hours because you're essentially just heading up a hillside. Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best light, though the midges in summer can be relentless - bring insect repellent or lose your mind.

Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite sits just six miles away and makes a natural base for this kind of walking. You could easily string together a few valley walks while staying there, with The Watchers being the highlight if the weather cooperates. It's the sort of spot that rewards patience and decent footwear rather than promising instant gratification.