Black Castle, dun site

The remains of Black Castle sit on a low hill above the River Tay, about two miles south of Pitlochry - it's the sort of spot you'd walk right past if you didn't know what you were looking for. What you're standing on is a dun, an Iron Age fortified settlement, though what survives now is mostly the outline of defensive walls and rubble. There's no dramatic ruin here, no tower or keep. Instead you get the raw archaeology of it: a gentle rise ringed by stone, the ghost of a fortress.

This one appeals most to serious history buffs and walkers who want something off the beaten path. If you're after castle drama, drive another hour to Blair Castle. But if you're camped nearby - and there's no shortage of caravan parks within striking distance like Faskally Woods or Blair Castle Caravan Park - it's worth a morning detour. The walk is straightforward, the setting proper peaceful, and you'll likely have it to yourself.

Allow an hour to get there, poke around the ramparts, and walk back. It's free, naturally. The best time is spring or early autumn when the midges aren't hunting. Winter's wet and miserable here, though the Tay views can be lovely in low light. Don't expect interpretation boards or facilities - this is archaeology as you find it, which some will find brilliant and others will find a bit underwhelming. Given the cluster of caravan parks in Pitlochry, it slots in nicely as part of a longer day out rather than a destination in itself.