Cromarty House

The ruins of Cromarty House sit on the northeastern tip of the Black Isle, a proper fortress of red sandstone that's been battered by centuries and Highland weather. What remains today are the substantial stone walls and foundations of a 17th-century stronghold, testament to the strategic importance this corner of Scotland once held. The setting itself is the real draw - perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Moray Firth, with views across to the northern shores that stretch seemingly forever on clear days.

Historically minded visitors will find the bones of the place genuinely interesting, particularly if you've got a decent grasp of Jacobean politics and clan warfare. The walk out to the ruins takes about 20 minutes from the village of Cromarty, mostly downhill going out (which means uphill returning, fair warning). It's not a full day's attraction - more like a solid hour including the walk - but if you're staying at Delny Glamping nearby or exploring the Black Isle more broadly, it's absolutely worth the detour.

The catch is access can be tricky depending on the season and land conditions. There's no formal visitor centre or facilities, so it's very much a self-guided exploration. Families with young children might find the muddy paths and crumbling stonework frustrating rather than rewarding. Walkers and history buffs, though, will find it compelling - a genuine piece of Highland heritage without the crowds you'd encounter at better-known castles further south.