Brahan Castle

The ruins of Brahan Castle sprawl across a wooded promontory above the River Conon, about three miles south of Strathpeffer. What remains are mostly foundation stones and the odd fragment of wall, but there's something genuinely atmospheric about wandering through the overgrown grounds and trying to imagine the place as it once stood - seat of the Mackenzie clan, burnt to the ground in 1695 during one of those bitter Highland feuds that make Scottish history so compelling.

There's not much to do here beyond having a poke around for twenty minutes or so. No visitor centre, no interpretation boards, no café. You'll need decent footwear because the approach gets muddy, and if you've got young kids they'll probably lose interest once they've clambered over the stones. But for history types and anyone serious about the Mackenzies, it's worth the detour. The views across the strath are decent too, and you're only a short drive from Strathpeffer itself, which has proper facilities.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Highland Heights Luxury Glamping are both handy - Brahan makes for a decent half-hour stop between other activities. It's free, naturally, and there's space to park by the entrance. Spring or autumn are nicest, when the midges aren't quite so biblical. Don't expect grandeur or crowds. Expect silence, stone, and a genuine sense of Highland history.