Katie Mccallum's Cairn

A modest stone cairn sits on the hillside near Strathdon, marking where Katie McCallum met her end in 1747. She was a local woman caught up in the aftermath of Culloden - the Jacobite cause had just crumbled, and the Highlands were in turmoil. The exact circumstances remain disputed, but the cairn itself is real enough: a simple pile of stones that locals have maintained for nearly three centuries.

You won't find much interpretive signage here, which is part of its appeal. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of historical curiosity rather than demanding it. History buffs interested in post-1745 Scotland will find the backstory genuinely compelling, though you'll need to do your research beforehand. Families with young children might struggle - it's essentially a pile of stones with a view, which holds attention for about fifteen minutes.

The walk to reach it offers proper Highland scenery across moorland, and the effort involved means you'll rarely find crowds. Allow a couple of hours if you're coming from Strathdon and taking your time. There's no entry fee or facilities - just the landscape and the story.

Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite is only three miles away, making this a worthwhile half-day outing if you're based there. Combine it with a walk around the broader area and you've got a decent afternoon. It won't change your life, but it's exactly the sort of quiet, personal history that makes the Scottish Highlands worth exploring.