Fetteresso Castle

The ruins of Fetteresso Castle sit on a low rise just outside Stonehaven, a proper scramble through overgrown grounds to reach what's left of this 17th-century fortress. You're looking at crumbling stone walls and the ghost of what was once a significant laird's seat - atmospheric rather than intact, which is exactly what appeals to some visitors and disappoints others.

The main draw is the walk itself. It's not demanding, maybe twenty minutes from the car park at Stonehaven, and the surrounding moorland gives decent views across Aberdeenshire towards the coast. Local history buffs will get something from it - the castle changed hands several times and has that typical Northeast Scottish defensive layout. For families, it's a bit sparse honestly. Kids will enjoy the scramble up and poking about in the rubble for ten minutes, then they'll want to move on.

It's free to visit, no visitor centre or facilities on site, so bring what you need. Best in drier weather when the approach isn't boggy. October through April the light's low but the grounds are less busy.

If you're based at Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park or Upper Crawton Park - both excellent caravan sites - this works as a morning walk before heading to Stonehaven harbour for lunch or pushing north towards Aberdeen. It's not the main event, but worth an hour if you're in the area and like your castles raw.