Gordon Monument

The Gordon Monument rises suddenly from the Aberdeenshire landscape near Ellon, a sturdy granite tower that marks the life of one of Scotland's most divisive historical figures. It's not the sort of place you stumble upon by accident - you have to genuinely want to find it - which probably explains why it remains refreshingly free of the coach-tour crowd.

The monument itself is a straightforward affair: a tower constructed in the 19th century, built with the kind of no-nonsense Scottish granite that'll outlive us all. The real draw is the walk to reach it and the views back across the Ythan Valley once you're there. It's not a massive undertaking - more of a pleasant ramble than a full hiking expedition - but it does require some forward planning and decent navigation.

Historically minded visitors will find it worthwhile, particularly those interested in 18th-century Scottish military history. Others might feel it's a bit of a trek for a single stone tower, and that's fair enough. Family groups with young children should probably give it a miss unless the kids are genuinely keen walkers.

If you're based at Ythan Valley Campsite, just 2.3 miles away, the monument works well as a morning excursion before moving on to explore the broader Aberdeenshire parks and countryside. There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, so bring everything you need. Best visited in decent weather - the approach can be muddy.