Tom Bad a'Mhonaidh

The walk up Tom Bad a'Mhonaidh from Ballater is one of those Scottish hill tramps that looks modest on the map but delivers proper views once you're at the summit. It's not a technical climb - more a straightforward hill walk that takes most people around two to three hours up and down - but the Deeside scenery justifies every step. From the top, you get sight lines across the Cairngorms and down the valley towards Ballater itself, which sits like a toy town far below.

This is walker territory, no question about it. You'll need decent boots and should check the weather forecast before setting out, as exposed moorland changes fast. Families with older kids who don't mind a steady gradient will manage fine. If your children still demand to be carried uphill, save this for a later trip.

It's free to walk, naturally - it's a Scottish hill. Allow a full afternoon rather than a quick hour, especially if you want to linger at the top with a flask. The path can be boggy in places, so waterproofs aren't optional. Go in summer or early autumn for the best light and driest ground.

If you're based at Ballater Caravan Park or Howe of Torbeg, this works perfectly as part of a walking-focused holiday. The Royal Deeside area has dozens of walks at varying difficulties, so you can build a proper itinerary. This particular peak sits at the accessible end of the Cairngorms spectrum - rewarding without being punishing.