Dingwall Castle Ruins

The remains of Dingwall Castle sit on a mound right in the middle of town - you can't miss them, really. What you're looking at are the crumbling stone walls of a medieval fortress that once mattered quite a bit to the Highlands, though these days it's more atmospheric ruin than imposing stronghold. The castle dates back to the 13th century, and despite centuries of decay, you can still make out the defensive structure if you've got an eye for these things.

Walking round the site takes about 20 minutes if you're leisurely, less if you're just grabbing photos. There's no visitor centre or interpretation boards, so come armed with a bit of prior knowledge or you'll be left guessing at what you're actually looking at. It's free to access and open year-round since there's no gate to speak of - just walk up the mound whenever you fancy.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from this one. Casual tourists might find it a bit underwhelming on its own, to be honest. The real appeal is combining it with a proper wander round Dingwall town itself, which has decent shops and cafes. If you're based at Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site, it's basically on your doorstep - walk there in five minutes. For those staying at Highland Heights Luxury Glamping a few miles out, it's worth the short drive to tick off whilst you're in the area, though don't expect jaw-dropping ruins. More of a "well, we're here" sort of stop than a pilgrimage.