24 aberdeenshire three loops of ballater

■ Distance: 7½ miles/12km ■ Time: 4-5 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

■ Distance: 6 miles/9.7km ■ Time: 2½-3hours ■ Grade: Easy

Stefan Durkacz traces an old rail route on a superb full-day walk

■ Distance: 5¼ miles/8.3km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Easy

■ Distance: 11½ miles/18.2km ■ Time: 7 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

Three contrasting walks to discover the ever-changing terrains encircling the Borrowdale valley and village of Rosthwaite in the Lake District .