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An easy route – it’s completely flat – along an old railway line. It extends north from Dyce through the fertile rolling farmland of Buchan to the busy fishing port of Fraserburgh.

Two outstanding examples of engineering, one a red giant of Victorian muscle, the other a modern suspended thread. Best seen lit up at night.

An excellent, informal, award-winning restaurant. Chef Brian Murphy is dedicated to cooking with the best of local ingredients.

The more rain, the merrier for this one, so leave your visit until after a wet day – or seven! The upper falls are impressive; the lower falls even more so, plunging a spectacular 30 m (100 ft). The yellow-white torrent gushes into a black bowl, hollowed deep in the forest, and the almighty roar of the water is as inspiring as the magnificent sight.

Very Italian. Lively, crowded and displaying a genuine love of food in a living, breathing, everyday sense. Restaurant on Bath St, with a café and deli round the corner.

Dating from 1390, this formidable building is one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture. Its life through the ages is testified by the mix of contemporary panelling, 17th-century plasterwork and a treasure trove of collectable paintings. Be sure to visit the restored 18th-century walled garden, which specializes in Scottish fruit and vegetables.

The rich language of the Gael can be seen on road signs and heard in shops in the Highlands and Islands. There are estimated to be 60,000 Gaelic-speakers in the country, their stronghold being the Western Isles, but even here it’s a second language. Despite the increase in Gaelic-medium education and the success of Gaelic pop stars Runrig, young people appear less dedicated to the language and its use is in decline.

A leader of its kind, this local exhibition excels with a programme of old-industry demonstrations, such as spinning, corn-milling and butter-churning. By so doing, the museum brings history back into the life of the present. Terrific fun!