Battle of Corrichie Monument

A granite monument marks the spot where one of Scotland's bloodiest feudal clashes unfolded in 1562. The Battle of Corrichie saw the Earl of Huntly's forces crushed by Mary Queen of Scots' army, and it's the sort of thing that makes you stand quietly for a moment, thinking about what went down on this stretch of Aberdeenshire moorland near Banchory.

There's not much infrastructure here - just the stone itself and the landscape. You'll need to know roughly where to look, and a decent map or GPS helps. The appeal is entirely in what it represents rather than any visitor facilities. History buffs will find it worthwhile; casual tourists will probably spend ten minutes maximum. Families with young kids might struggle with the remoteness and lack of anything to actually do once you've read the inscription.

It's free to visit whenever you fancy, which is the beauty of a roadside monument. No opening hours, no entry fees, no faffing about. Spring and autumn are best - you'll avoid the worst of the Scottish midges and the weather's usually more forgiving.

If you're based at Silverbank Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Banchory Lodge Caravan Park, this works as a short detour rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with a proper walk in the wider Dee Valley or a visit to Banchory itself. It's the sort of spot you tick off because you're in the area, not because it'll consume half your day.