Kirkton Schoolhouse Hillfort

A steep walk up moorland grass brings you to what's left of an Iron Age fort, and you'll understand immediately why they chose this spot. Kirkton Schoolhouse sits on high ground overlooking the Scottish Borders landscape, and the views back down toward Hawick are genuinely worth the leg work. There's not much to see in the way of standing structures - mostly grassed-over ramparts and the shape of ancient defensive walls - but if you're into archaeology or landscape history, the site repays attention. You can make out the fort's layout fairly clearly, with concentric rings of fortification that once held a thriving community. It's the kind of place that fires your imagination more than it strikes you immediately.

Give it an hour including the walk from wherever you park. Bring proper boots because it gets boggy. On a clear day the visibility is excellent, which makes the strategic thinking of whoever built this rather obvious. Hawick is the nearest proper town if you need supplies beforehand, though there's nothing at the site itself. It's very much a free, unmanaged spot - no facilities, no interpretation boards.

If you're staying at one of the nearby farm glamping spots like Stouslie Snugs, this makes a solid afternoon excursion. It works best for adults with an interest in Iron Age Scotland or keen hillwalkers rather than families with young kids who'll find the walk tedious and the ruins underwhelming. Spring or autumn are best - summer midges can be brutal, and winter makes the ground treacherous.