King Alexander III monument

The monument to King Alexander III sits on a headland just above Burntisland, commanding views across the Firth of Forth. It's a relatively modest affair - a stone structure commemorating the 13th-century Scottish king who died in a riding accident near here in 1286, an event that threw Scotland into succession turmoil. The spot itself matters more than the monument does. You get proper views of the water and the bridges, and on a clear day it's the kind of place that makes you understand why this stretch of coastline mattered historically.

It's not a major draw - most people won't spend more than fifteen minutes here - but it works well as a stopping point if you're already walking the Burntisland shoreline. History buffs will appreciate the significance; casual visitors might find it a bit underwhelming on its own. The real appeal is combining it with a walk along the beach or exploring Burntisland itself, which has more character than you'd expect from a small Fife town.

The monument is accessible year-round and free to visit, which is handy. If you're staying at Pettycur Bay or Sandhills just down the road - both solid caravan parks with good ratings - it's an easy stroll to work into a morning before heading elsewhere. Worth the detour if you're in the area; don't plan a trip around it.