Coronation Bonfire Memorial Cairn

A pile of stones on a Highlands hillside might not sound like much, but this cairn marks something genuinely significant. Built to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, it sits in the middle of proper moorland near Grantown-on-Spey, the kind of place where you're more likely to spot red grouse than fellow tourists.

What makes it worth seeking out isn't the monument itself - it's modest, honestly - but the walk to reach it and the views once you're there. The moorland around it opens up nicely, giving you that sense of Highland vastness that draws people up here in the first place. On a clear day you get a proper perspective on the landscape.

Historically minded visitors and locals will appreciate the connection to that 1953 moment, when communities across Britain were doing their bit for the occasion. It's the kind of thing that appeals to walkers rather than casual drive-by sightseers - you'll need to put in some legwork to get there, which weeds out the crowds naturally.

If you're staying at Grantown on Spey Caravan Park, just 5 miles away, this makes a straightforward half-day outing. Bring proper boots - the ground can be bog-like after rain - and give yourself two to three hours total if you're not rushing. It costs nothing, naturally. The cairn won't change your life, but it's a solid excuse for a moorland walk in decent country.