Ellencore

The ruins at Ellencore sit quietly above Killin, overlooking Loch Tay with the kind of view that makes the short walk up worthwhile even if you're not particularly fussed about 15th-century stones. What remains are fragments of what was once a fortified house - enough to understand the shape of it, not so much that you'll spend hours poring over every detail. History types will recognise the defensive layout; everyone else will just appreciate the loch spread out below and the Highland hills beyond. The walk itself is straightforward and takes perhaps twenty minutes from the village. It's the sort of place you'd tackle as a morning detour rather than a day-long expedition. Allow an hour total including the scramble up and time to sit about taking photos. There's nothing on site - no facilities, no interpretation boards, no cafe - so bring water and decent shoes. Winter's probably grim; spring and autumn are nicer. If you're staying at Loch Tay Highland Lodges just down the road, Ellencore makes an easy add-on to a longer walk round the loch. Not essential, but proper worthwhile if you're in the area and fancy a bit of old Perthshire without the crowds you'd get at the big attractions. Worth thirty minutes of your time.