Fairy Knowe, Broch

The Iron Age fort at Fairy Knowe sits on a low hill just outside Broch, commanding views across the Stirling countryside. It's properly old - we're talking 2,000 years, when someone decided this particular ridge was worth defending. What you find now are the earthwork remains of concentric ramparts, still distinctly visible if you know what you're looking at, though it takes a bit of imagination to picture the timber-laced walls that once stood here.

This is one for archaeology enthusiasts and serious walkers rather than the casual day-tripper. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation panels, just you and the landscape. The approach is straightforward enough from the small village of Broch, and the walk up takes perhaps twenty minutes. The views alone are worth the effort - Glasgow sprawls away to the south, and on clear days you can see proper distance.

If you're basing yourself at Endrick Escape Luxury Glamping nearby, this makes a solid morning excursion before heading back for lunch. Allow an hour to explore properly, longer if you're the type to sit and sketch or photograph. It's free to visit, naturally, since there's nothing here to charge for. Go when the ground's firm underfoot rather than after heavy rain - the earthworks get boggy. Families with older kids who aren't bored by archaeology will manage fine; younger ones might lose interest quickly.