Tyrebagger Hill

The walk up Tyrebagger Hill from Westhill takes about forty minutes if you're not dawdling, and the views across Aberdeenshire are genuinely worth the effort. It's not a mountain - more a proper hill walk - but that's rather the point. You get proper Highland scenery without the full commitment of the Cairngorms.

The summit sits at around 450 metres, which means the climb is steep enough to feel like you've earned it but not so brutal that families with reasonably fit kids will turn back halfway. The terrain is rough underfoot - heather, tussock grass, the usual - so boots matter. Weather can turn quickly up here, so check the forecast before you head out.

Historywise, there's an Iron Age hill fort at the top, though the archaeology won't blow your mind if that's not your thing. What really matters is the panorama. On a clear day you can see right across to the Cairngorms, which beats paying money for the same view from a touristy viewpoint.

If you're camped at Hillhead Caravan Park - just a few miles down the road - this makes an excellent morning or early afternoon escape. It breaks up the caravan routine without requiring a full day's expedition. You'll share the summit with locals rather than coachloads of tourists, which is rare enough in Scottish Highland spots to be worth noting. Allow two hours return, including time to sit about at the top.