Huntly

Rolling hills stretch in every direction from this market town that sits snugly in the Deveron Valley. Huntly feels properly Scottish despite being tucked just over the border - think granite buildings, wide streets, and that particular Highland light that makes everything look sharper. The town centre has a lived-in quality that bigger tourist spots often lack.

Huntly Castle Holiday Park puts you right in the thick of it, though the real draw here is getting out into those hills. Black Hill and Green Hill offer cracking walks without being too much of a slog, while the more adventurous can tackle Cairn Hill or Brown Hill for proper views across Aberdeenshire. Each peak has its own character - some grassy and gentle, others more rugged.

The surrounding countryside is classic Lowland Scotland territory. Rothiemay Castle sits a few miles out, worth the detour if you fancy a bit of history with your hiking. The Drumblade District War Memorial tells its own story of this area's past, while the various hills - Hill of Kinnoir, Hill of Mungo, Tower Hill - create a landscape that's never flat, never boring.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Huntly station connects to Aberdeen and Inverness, making it surprisingly accessible for somewhere that feels this remote. The A96 runs right through if you're driving from either direction.

Staying at one of the holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this bit of Scotland. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies, but far enough out to properly appreciate the silence. Plus, having hills like Fourman Hill and Hill of Mayen on your doorstep means you can be walking within minutes of leaving your caravan.