Fyrish Monument

Climb to a rather odd hilltop folly that overlooks Dingwall and you'll find yourself staring at what looks like a Gothic arch transplanted straight from a Victorian fever dream. This is Fyrish Monument, built in 1782 by a local landowner as a memorial to his son who died in the American War of Independence. The structure is honestly a bit daft - a mock fortification complete with crenellations that serves no practical purpose whatsoever, but that's rather the point.

The walk itself is the main event. It's a straightforward trudge of about 2.5 miles from the car park, gaining roughly 450 metres elevation over moorland and rough grass. Nothing technical, but it's relentless and you'll feel your legs on the way up. Most people take 90 minutes to reach it. The reward is a proper Highland panorama - Dingwall spreads below, the hills roll on forever, and on a clear day you can see across to Ben Wyvis.

This appeals mainly to walkers who like a bit of quirk with their views, and anyone interested in the eccentric end of 18th-century landowner ambitions. Kids will find the climb dull unless they're keen hill-goers. It's free and open year-round, though the approach can be boggy in winter. Allow three hours for the round trip comfortably.

If you're base camping at Blackrock Caravan Park or staying at Newmore Highland Pods, this makes a decent half-day outing on a decent weather day. It's the sort of place that rewards effort with an unusual story rather than mainstream scenery.