Strathdon

Sheep dot the hillsides like scattered punctuation marks across this remote stretch of the Scottish Highlands. Strathdon sits in a valley where the River Don cuts through some of Scotland's most dramatic mountain scenery, surrounded by peaks that'll have you reaching for your camera every few miles. The landscape here is proper wild - rolling moorland gives way to craggy summits like Tom a'Bhuraich and Mullachdubh that dominate the skyline.

Hikers will find themselves spoilt for choice. Mona Gowan offers cracking views across the valley, while the climb up to Jubilee Cairn rewards you with panoramic vistas that stretch for miles. More ambitious walkers can tackle Càrn na Gobhair or venture to the Slacks of Glencarvie viewpoint for photographs that'll make your Instagram followers properly jealous.

The area feels wonderfully untouched. You'll pass John Forbes's Memorial Cairn on quieter walks, and Gerard Murphy Photography showcases the raw beauty that draws visitors to this corner of Aberdeenshire. Corgarff War Memorial stands as a sobering reminder of the region's turbulent past.

Getting here requires a bit of planning - the nearest proper town is Ballater, about 20 miles southeast along winding Highland roads. Aberdeen is roughly an hour's drive, making this an ideal escape from city life. The journey itself becomes part of the experience as you wind through increasingly dramatic landscape.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense when you're exploring this terrain. Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite puts you right in the heart of the national park, while options like Tarland Camping & Caravanning Club Site offer easier access to supplies. After a day scaling peaks like Tom Beith or Hill of Tornahaish, you'll appreciate having a comfortable base to return to rather than facing the long drive back to Aberdeen.