Torra Duncan

Torra Duncan is a modest highland peak that rises above the rolling countryside south of Huntly, offering surprisingly decent views across Aberdeenshire for the effort involved. It's not a dramatic summit - don't expect rock scrambles or exposed ridges - but the walk up is straightforward enough for a couple of hours out of your day.

The appeal here is more about the landscape than the destination itself. You get proper highland views without needing to commit to a full Ben Nevis-style expedition. Walkers based near Huntly can easily knock this off as a morning walk before lunch, and families with older kids will find it manageable if you're already staying in the area. The terrain is fairly open moorland, so it's exposed to the elements - wind can be brisk even when it's calm elsewhere.

This works well as part of a wider walking week if you're plotting a route around Aberdeenshire. It won't dominate your trip, but it's worth ticking off if you're based near Huntly Castle Holiday Park and fancy something more active than wandering the castle grounds. Spring and summer are your best bets weather-wise, though the peak itself can be waterlogged after heavy rain.

Bring proper walking boots and a map - there's no visitor infrastructure here, just a hill. Free to access, naturally, and you can be up and back in a couple of hours without pushing yourself. It's solid but unspectacular.