Burnside

The Roman fort at Burnside is one of those sites where you have to work a bit to see what's actually there - but that's rather the point. Located near Kinross in Perthshire, what you're looking at is essentially crop marks and earthwork remains from a military installation that once controlled this stretch of the Tay valley. It's not dramatic, and there's no visitor centre or reconstructions to ease you in.

You'll need to be a proper archaeology enthusiast or a serious Roman Scotland buff to get the most from a visit. Casual walkers might find themselves squinting at the ground wondering what all the fuss is about. The real appeal is for anyone interested in how the Romans actually moved through Scotland - this wasn't some grand fortress but a functional outpost, part of the wider military strategy. The landscape tells the story if you know how to read it.

Camping nearby at Gallowhill (4.4 miles away) gives you decent access, though Wild Goose Glamping and Maycroft Retreat offer nicer options if you're planning to stay put. The site itself is free to visit - it's essentially a field - and you can wander it in an hour or so, depending on how much time you spend trying to spot the fortifications.

Truthfully, Burnside works best as a side trip while exploring the broader Roman heritage of Tayside rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with other sites in the region and you'll build a proper picture of Roman occupation. On its own? It's a bit of a pilgrimage for specialists.