Deil's Den

The Deil's Den sits near Arbroath, a proper geological curiosity that's worth a detour if you're already exploring the Aberdeenshire coast. It's a narrow, dramatic gorge carved through red sandstone - the sort of place that feels far more remote than it actually is, despite being minutes from the town. You walk down into it, following a stream that's done all the heavy lifting over millennia, and the walls rise up around you in layers of rust-coloured rock. The whole thing takes about 30-45 minutes to poke around properly, though you could easily spend longer if you're into photography or just fancying a sit-down on the rocks.

It's brilliant for families with kids old enough to manage a bit of scrambling - there are natural pools to paddle in when the water's low, and the confined space means children can't wander off too far. Walkers and geology types will love it, though be warned: it gets muddy underfoot and you'll need proper shoes. Don't bother in heavy rain; the stream turns into a proper torrent and the rock face becomes slick.

Free to visit, which is always a bonus. If you're based at The Grange Glamping just down the road, it makes for a solid morning outing before heading back for lunch. The site itself is unmanaged, so there are no facilities - bring water and a packed lunch if you're planning to linger. Go early on weekends; it's become more popular lately and the narrow gorge gets a bit crowded.