Life is a climb, but the views are great!
With warmer weather and longer days just around the corner, we’re thrilled to be able to get back outside, explore our stunning surroundings, and reconnect with nature. Nestled on the edge of the Scottish Highlands and Cairngorm National Park, we are so lucky to be next to endless opportunities with breathtaking adventures, scenic walks, and unforgettable trails.
From gentle hills and well-marked paths to challenging Munros and exhillirating clifftops, there really is something for everyone and most of the local routes are perfect for walking, running or even cycling. One of our favourite routes even treats you to incredible views of the pyramids (yes, you read that right!)
Our favourite map reading app to use when we are out exploring is OS Maps, and please always remember to wear appropriate clothing, check weather conditions and respect our beautiful countryside following the Scottish Access Code.
Bennachie
Rising prominently above the landscape of northeast Scotland, Bennachie is one of Aberdeenshire’s most recognisable hill ranges. Its rugged granite peaks dominate the skyline and offer a variety of walks, from relaxed woodland trails to more demanding summit hikes.
Bennachie’s history stretches back thousands of years. The summit of Mither Tap is home to the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, believed to date from around 500 BC. Archaeological finds suggest it was once an important defensive and possibly ceremonial site and home to crofters and settlers in the 18th century.
Many walks begin at the Bennachie Visitor Centre, where well-marked trails lead into forest and onto the open hillside with three routes to choose from that all lead to stunning panoramic views of Aberdeenshire and beyond:
Mither Tap Route
Around 2.5 hours return, this moderate climb takes you through woodland before a steeper ascent to the rocky summit.Oxen Craig & Circular Routes
Longer circular walks can stretch up to 15 km and take 4–5 hours, linking several tops for a more challenging day out.Lower Forest Trails
Shorter, family-friendly paths wind through woodland, providing gentler options with plenty of wildlife and scenic viewpoints.
Ben Rinnes
Rising proudly above the rolling landscape of Speyside, Ben Rinnes is one of Moray’s most distinctive and rewarding hills, and classed as a “Corbett” as hills rising from 2,500 - 3,000 feet are classed as. Standing at 841 metres, it dominates the surrounding countryside and offers a classic Scottish summit experience without requiring technical climbing skills. Its isolated position makes it a superb viewpoint, with sweeping panoramas that stretch from the coast to the Cairngorm mountains.
The walk to the summit of Ben Rinnes is a straightforward but steadily steephike, covering around 5 miles. Starting from the Glack Harnes car park, a clear, well-built path leads directly uphill with little flat ground, making it a sustained but manageable climb for reasonably fit walkers with the right footwear and provisions.
As you ascend, views quickly open up over Speyside’s rolling farmland and forests. Higher up, the terrain becomes more open and rocky, with the final stretch crossing granite boulders to reach the broad summit at 841 metres.
From the top, the reward is panoramic and far-reaching: south towards the Cairngorm mountains, north to the Moray Firth coastline, and across the patchwork landscape of Moray. Thanks to its isolated position, Ben Rinnes offers one of the finest viewpoints in the region, especially on a clear day with a steel-covered trig point at the summit.
Knock Hill
Knock Hill is a prominent and easily accessible hill in Moray, Scotland, rising to 430 metres above sea level. Though modest in height compared to nearby peaks, its isolated position makes it an outstanding natural viewpoint, offering expansive views across the Moray countryside.
The walk to the summit is short and straightforward, typically around 3 km (2 miles) return from the small roadside car park. A well-defined grassy path climbs steadily but not steeply, making it suitable for most walkers, including families. The ascent is relatively quick, often taking less than an hour to reach the top.
At the summit, a trig point marks the highest spot and on a clear day, walkers are rewarded with wide panoramic views stretching across:
The Moray Firth coastline
Ben Rinnes to the south
The distant Cairngorm mountains
Rolling farmland and forests in every direction
Knock Hill is a perfect choice for a shorter outing with maximum views, and we’ve been known to love a picnic at the summit on a clear (And also stormy) day!
Caple Hill
Caple Hill is a gentle and scenic local walk, perfect for holiday guests looking to stretch their legs without committing to a long hike. The grassy path climbs gradually to a modest summit, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels, although the route isn’t as well known to the public so it can be slightly rough to walk in some parts.
From the top, you’ll enjoy lovely open views across the Moray countryside, with rolling farmland, woodland, and distant hills creating a peaceful Highland backdrop. It’s an ideal spot for a short morning stroll or a relaxed evening wander to take in the fresh air and big skies.
Ben Aigan
Rising to 471 metres, Ben Aigan is a much-loved local hill offering wonderful panoramic views across Speyside. Situated just east of Rothes, it’s an accessible and rewarding outing for holiday guests wanting to explore the area on foot or by bike.
Well-maintained forestry tracks wind their way through peaceful woodland before opening out near the summit, where a trig point marks the top. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views towards Ben Rinnes, across the rolling Speyside countryside, and north towards the Moray Firth on a clear day.
With its steady gradients and clear paths, Ben Aigan is ideal for a half-day adventure and the perfect chance to experience fresh Highland air, big skies, and some of Moray’s finest scenery without venturing too far.
Quarrel Wood
This circular forest trail follows stone markers carved with a human footprint through the historic Spynie Woods. It leads through the trees to visit the circular ditches and banks that form the remains of a henge 4,000 years old, which may have been used for ceremonies by our ancient ancestors and wonderful nature including deer and red squirrles.
Quarrel Wood is a peaceful and accessible woodland on the edge of Forres, popular with walkers looking for gentle trails and rewarding views. The network of well-maintained paths winds through mature Scots pine and mixed woodland, making it ideal for relaxed hikes, dog walking, or a quiet nature stroll.
For hikers wanting a little more elevation, routes climb steadily to Cluny Hill within the forest, where you’ll find open viewpoints across Forres, Findhorn Bay, and the surrounding Moray countryside. The gradients are generally moderate, with a mix of wider forestry tracks and narrower woodland paths.
Quarrel Wood is a great choice for those seeking a shorter, scenic walk with varied terrain, peaceful surroundings and easy access close to town.
Prince Albert’s Cairns
This one is slightly further away from Mayen but if you haven’t been to Scotland before, we recommend adding the Royal Family’s Summer Residence, Balmoral, to your itinerary.
Set within the grounds of the Balmoral Estate near Crathie, Prince Albert’s Cairn combines royal history with a rewarding Highland walk spanning around 4.5 miles (approximately 2-3 hours). The route follows well-maintained estate tracks and forest paths, climbing gradually through pine woodland before emerging onto more open hillside. The 240 metre ascent is consistent rather than steep, making it manageable for most reasonably fit walkers.
Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful pine forests with chances to spot red squirrels, dee, and a variety of woodland birds. Higher up, the trees thin out, revealing lovely views across Deeside’s rolling hills, heather moorland and the River Dee below.
The impressive granite pyramid at the summit was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1862 in memory of Prince Albert. It is the largest of several cairns she erected around the estate with each marking significant moments in her life. Standing beside it offers not only panoramic views but a tangible connection to Scotland’s royal heritage.
Bring a long a picnic lunch and if you really want to make a day of it, we recommend stopping by Balmoral Castle and the nearby town of Balmoral, blending gentle adventure, wildlife, and royal history in a beautiful Highland setting (and who would believe that you went to Scotland to see the pyramids...!)