Glenbanchor

The ruins at Glenbanchor sit quietly in the Highlands near Newtonmore, and honestly, they're worth seeking out if you're the type who gets excited about standing stones and Iron Age settlement remains. This isn't a manicured heritage site with interpretation boards and a visitor centre - it's archaeology in the raw, scattered across moorland where you can actually think about how people lived here two thousand years ago.

What you're looking at are the remnants of a Pictish settlement, with stone circles and cup-marked rocks that date back centuries. There's something quite moving about walking the site yourself, reading the landscape rather than a plaque. The views across the Spey Valley aren't bad either. Allow a couple of hours if you're thorough; less if you're just popping by between other activities.

History enthusiasts and walkers will get the most from this - families with young kids might struggle unless they're genuinely interested in archaeology, as there's not much in the way of play facilities or immediate visual drama. It's free to visit, which helps.

If you're staying at Invernahavon Caravan Park or Laggan Glamping, you're perfectly positioned to add this to a broader Highland itinerary. It pairs well with a walk in the surrounding glens or a visit to Newtonmore itself. Don't expect crowds. You probably won't see another soul.