Glentruim Castle

The ruins of Glentruim Castle sit quietly above Newtonmore, easy to miss if you're not looking for them. It's not a grand fortress - more a collection of stone walls that once formed a 17th-century stronghold, but standing there you get proper views across the Spey Valley that make the short walk worthwhile. The castle itself is roofless now, which means you can see straight up to the sky through what would have been the main hall. There's not much to do inside - ten minutes of poking around and you've seen it all - but it's the kind of place that rewards a bit of wandering, especially if you're interested in how these buildings were actually lived in rather than just looked at from a distance.

Histories types will want to know this was clan Campbell territory, though there's limited signage to tell you much more than that. It won't captivate kids for long, to be honest. Families basing themselves at Invernahavon Caravan Park, just a short drive away, could combine it with a walk along the Spey or a visit to Newtonmore itself - it's worth fitting in if you're already in the area rather than planning a dedicated trip. Free to access, and you can be in and out in 45 minutes if you're pressed for time. Best on a clear day when those valley views actually justify the drive.