French Stone

Standing on Culloden Battlefield near Inverness, the French Stone is a modest but deeply moving memorial to the fallen of 1746. It marks where French soldiers died fighting alongside the Jacobite forces - a detail many visitors miss entirely. The stone itself is unassuming, which rather suits the gravity of the place. You'll find it among the heather and grass that now covers what was once one of Britain's bloodiest clashes, a forty-minute rout that changed the Highlands forever.

History enthusiasts will get the most from a visit, particularly those interested in the Jacobite risings and 18th-century conflict. Walking the battlefield itself takes real effort - the moorland is open and windswept, and you need to be prepared for bog and uneven ground. Allow at least two hours to do it properly, longer if you want to visit the nearby visitor centre which adds substantial context.

Admission to Culloden is handled through the National Trust for Scotland, so check their website for current fees and opening times before heading out from Inverness. The site is free to wander independently, though the centre costs to enter.

If you're staying at Ardtower Caravan Park just up the road or Go Glamping at Loch Ness, Culloden is genuinely worth the short drive. It's not a day-out attraction for young children unless they're already into history, but for adults seeking to understand Highland Scotland, it's essential.