Bractullomill Burn

The burn itself is modest - a small watercourse that flows through moorland near Forfar - but the surrounding landscape rewards anyone willing to leave the main road. Water tumbles over rocks in a way that feels properly peaceful, especially if you time it right after rainfall when the flow picks up. There's something about Scottish burns that draws you in; this one's no exception.

It's ideal for walkers rather than casual drive-by visitors. You'll want to allow a good hour or two if you're exploring the banks properly, picking your way through heather and rough grass. The terrain is straightforward but boggy in places - waterproof boots essential. History enthusiasts might find it less compelling than elsewhere in Aberdeenshire, but landscape photographers and anyone keen on quiet water crossings will get genuine value.

Free to visit, obviously, with no facilities nearby so bring what you need. Spring and autumn offer the best light and fewer midges. Winter's dramatic but brutal.

If you're staying at Greenhillock Glamping just down the road, Bractullomill Burn makes a proper morning walk that won't take you too far from base. It's the sort of detour that transforms a standard Highlands trip - nothing Instagram-famous about it, which is precisely why it works. You'll likely have the place to yourself, and that's worth more than any crowded scenic spot.