Lochindorb Castle

The first thing that strikes you about Lochindorb is how isolated it feels - a ruined castle sitting on an island in the middle of a loch, roughly 5 miles south of Forres. You can't actually get onto the island itself these days, but the views from the shore are genuinely atmospheric, especially when the light's low and the water's still.

Historically, this was a serious bit of business. Built in the 13th century, it saw action during the Wars of Independence and later became a stronghold of the Earls of Moray. What remains is mostly masonry - a crumbling curtain wall, fragments of towers - but there's something compelling about seeing it all from a distance, the fortress gradually surrendering to the elements.

If you're into medieval Scotland and don't mind a bit of walking with binoculars, you'll get something out of it. Photography types will find it moody, particularly on overcast days. Kids under ten will likely get restless quickly - there's nothing to climb on, nowhere to scramble - so it's more of a walking pass than a destination unto itself.

You can reach it free of charge, and there's decent walking around the loch itself. Allow maybe an hour if you're making a proper trip of it. It works well as a half-day excursion from Grantown on Spey Caravan Park, combining it with a walk elsewhere in the Highlands. The nearest town of Forres has all the services you'd need.