Clune Wood Stone Circle

Standing in the middle of Clune Wood, you're surrounded by ancient granite stones arranged in a circle that's been here for roughly four thousand years. It's the kind of place that makes you properly stop and think about how long people have been marking the landscape in Scotland. The stones themselves aren't massive or dramatic - some are only waist-height - but there's something quite moving about the simplicity of it all.

You'll need to walk through the woodland to reach the circle, which adds to the sense of discovery. It's not a five-minute stroll from the car park, so allow an hour or so for the whole visit. The ground can be boggy depending on the season, so decent boots are worth packing. History enthusiasts will find this genuinely rewarding - there's real archaeology here, not just a visitor centre with gift shops.

It's free to visit and open year-round, though you'll want to check access conditions locally. The circle works well as part of a wider Aberdeenshire loop. Drumoak, the nearest town, is only a short drive away, and if you're based at Silverbank Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Banchory Lodge just down the road, it makes an easy half-day excursion. Families with kids aged eight and up will get the most from it - younger children might find the walk tedious and the stones themselves less engaging. The real appeal is for walkers and anyone interested in Bronze Age Scotland.