Diamond Jubilee Cairn

You'll find this stone cairn standing on high ground near Ballater, built back in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria's 60 years on the throne. It's not a massive structure - more of a proper monument than a dramatic spectacle - but the setting gives it weight. The views across Aberdeenshire are genuinely good, especially if you catch it on a clear day when you can see right into the Cairngorms.

This one appeals most to history buffs and serious walkers rather than casual visitors. You're not going to spend hours here, but it's a solid excuse for a moorland ramble if you're already exploring the area. The walk itself is the real draw - you're on proper Highland terrain, not a manicured path, so decent boots are worth bringing.

There's no visitor centre, no tearoom, no admission charge as far as anyone can tell. It's just you, the stone, and the landscape. That's either brilliant or underwhelming depending on your mood.

If you're based at Howe of Torbeg holiday park just down the road, this fits perfectly into a day's walking itinerary around Ballater. Combine it with a walk along the River Dee or a visit to Balmoral Castle grounds if you want to make a proper morning of it. Late spring and early autumn are best - the midges in July and August can be relentless up here.