Barry Hill fort

You're standing on a proper windswept hill outside Blairgowrie, looking down at what remains of a fort that's been here for nearly two thousand years. Barry Hill fort is an Iron Age settlement - ramparts, ditches, the lot - though what you actually see depends entirely on how much archaeology you're willing to squint at. If you know what you're looking for, it's genuinely interesting. If you don't, it's basically a hilly field with some bumps.

The walk up is straightforward enough, and the views across Perthshire are worth the effort regardless of your interest in ancient fortifications. Archaeologists reckon this was occupied until the Roman invasions, which adds a layer to standing here and imagining what that looked like. The site itself is free to access and takes maybe 30 minutes to wander around properly, longer if you're the type to sit and read about Iron Age settlement patterns.

This works best for people who combine walking with a bit of history - you're not getting a visitor centre or interpretive boards, so coming prepared with some knowledge beforehand helps. Families with older kids who can handle a decent walk without complaining will get something out of it. If you've got younger ones expecting obvious ruins and gift shops, they'll be disappointed.

Stay at Nethercraig Holiday Park or Five Roads Caravan Park nearby, both excellent bases for exploring the area. Barry Hill makes a good half-day outing alongside walks around Blairgowrie itself. Worth doing once if you're in the region, but don't rearrange your whole holiday around it.