Dryleys Brick Pit

A former brick pit turned nature reserve might not sound like much, but Dryleys near Montrose is one of those places that rewards a proper wander. The excavation work decades ago left behind a landscape of sudden dips and rises, pools and scrubby woodland - exactly the kind of terrain that wildlife thrives in.

You'll find it good for a couple of hours exploring on foot, though there's no formal path network as such. The reserve is popular with birdwatchers - lapwings and redshanks are regular sightings, especially in spring. In summer the pools attract dragonflies and damselflies in decent numbers. It's the sort of place where you might spot something interesting without being guaranteed anything spectacular, which is precisely why regulars keep coming back.

The terrain is fairly boggy in places and can get muddy after rain, so decent footwear matters. It's free to visit and there are no facilities on site, so bring what you need. Allow two to three hours if you want to see much of it properly without rushing.

If you're staying at St Cyrus Holiday Park just up the road - and it's a well-regarded spot - Dryleys makes a sensible morning or afternoon option before heading to the coast. It's not the sort of destination that demands a detour from elsewhere, but for a holiday in the area it's worth the effort. The Aberdeenshire coastline has plenty else going on if the light's poor or you fancy a change of scenery.