60 ABD

The remains of a Roman fort sit on high ground just outside Old Aberdeen, commanding views across the Don valley. It's one of those places where you need imagination to bring it to life - the stone foundations are low, sometimes just a dark line in the grass, but once you know what you're looking at, the layout becomes clear. The fort would have housed around 500 soldiers during the Roman occupation, guarding this northern edge of the empire.

Walkers will appreciate the location more than casual visitors. The setting is genuinely atmospheric, especially on a grey afternoon when the North Sea wind comes in properly. You can trace the ramparts if you know where to look, and the views justify the short detour from Aberdeen itself. History enthusiasts will find it absorbing - there's that real sense of standing where significant decisions were made nearly two millennia ago.

You'll need 45 minutes to an hour here, including time to read any interpretation boards on site. It's free and accessible in daylight hours, though there's not much official infrastructure. The nearest proper facilities are in Old Aberdeen itself, just a short drive down the road.

If you're based at Seaview Caravan Park - a solid option about four miles away - this makes an easy morning sortie before heading into the city proper. It won't occupy your whole day, but it's well worth squeezing in if you're keen on Roman archaeology or just fancy a walk with some actual history attached to it.